Oregon Coast Weekend Rescues: Surfer Still Missing, Another Man Injures Ankle

Published 04/27/26 at 6:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Cannon Beach, Oregon) – Two major rescue efforts were launched Saturday at two different locations, both involving the U.S. Coast Guard at different points. The first happened near Depoe Bay when a 25-year-old man slipped on rocks and injured his legs, while another at Cannon Beach involved a still-missing surfer and a rescue vehicle that got stuck in sand and surf. (Photos courtesy Depoe Bay Fire District)

According to Depoe Bay Fire District, crews responded around 9:15 a.m. Saturday to o Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint  after a man in his 20s slipped on the rocks and fell, injuring his lower legs.

“Depoe Bay firefighters arrived, assessed and stabilized the patient, and determined the safest extraction method was a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter hoist,” the District said.

The Lincoln County Technical Rescue Team was requested as a backup.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, watchstanders at Sector Columbia River received the request for assistance around 10 a.m. after the Willamette Valley Communications Center reported the man had injured his ankle and was unable to climb out from a ledge roughly 10 feet above the water. With the tide rising and the patient’s position becoming increasingly hazardous, first responders determined a helicopter rescue was the safest option.

The MH-65 crew arrived at about 10:25 a.m., lowered a rescue swimmer and hoisted the man from the cliff. He was transported to waiting emergency medical personnel for further evaluation.

“Rescues like this highlight the importance of programs like the Advanced Helicopter Rescue School, which focuses on training for contingencies such as inland search and rescue and cliffside rescue,” said Lt. Travis Weaver, MH-65 pilot in command during the rescue. “Being able to train for events like this before they happen make for safe and effective rescues when our partners call on us for help.”

Oregon coast agencies assisting included Newport Fire Department, the Lincoln County Technical Rescue Team, Oregon State Police, ODOT, Oregon State Parks, Pacific West Ambulance, and the U.S. Coast Guard.



Officials noted that the rocky coastline here is a hazardous one, urging visitors to plan ahead, let others know their itinerary, and use extreme caution.

“Depoe Bay Fire District has responded to three other falls along the rocky coastline this weekend and urges the public to use care near cliffs and shorelines,” the agency said.

In Cannon Beach, various videos and photos all day Saturday showed a vehicle stranded in the surf at Ecola Creek. This turned out to be a rescue vehicle that needed rescuing itself.

Cannon Beach Fire District personnel launched a coastal search Saturday afternoon after spotting a surfer in distress near Chapman Point. Firefighters reported seeing the individual caught in a rip current around 1:30 p.m., drifting north and away from the main beach. Crews immediately notified 911 and initiated a water-rescue response for a missing surfer.

Rapidly shifting tides and heavy surf made it difficult for responders to maintain visual contact with the surfer. At times, the individual could not be seen from shore. Crews used visual surveillance, watercraft, and aerial support in an effort to locate the person.

Two emergency vehicles attempted to reach the area by crossing Ecola Creek, a route the district has used frequently during past incidents since access from Les Shirley Park deteriorated. Both vehicles made the crossing, but the command vehicle became stuck in an unseen depression in the creek bed. Officials said storm-related erosion this year has significantly altered the creek channel, creating hazardous and unpredictable conditions for emergency access.

“Simultaneously, the Cannon Beach Ocean Safety Division deployed a lifeguard and two Rescue Watercraft (RWC) to search the area,” the department said. “The United States Coast Guard responded with both a helicopter and a cutter to assist in the search. The Cannon Beach Police Department provided aerial drone support to enhance visibility and coverage of the search area.”

Despite an extensive, multi-agency search, no missing surfer or person in distress was found. The person's whereabouts remain a mystery. The operation was turned over to the U.S. Coast Guard and later suspended after all available information and search efforts yielded no confirmed victim.

After a few tries, the north Oregon coast group Sons of Beaches 4x4 was able to pull the truck out of the surf.

The fire department said the vehicle was likely a total loss, but they were able to retrieve all equipment.

“Emergency response operations often require rapid decision-making in dynamic and hazardous environments,” the department said. “Our personnel routinely operate in unpredictable and high-risk conditions in service to public safety and the protection of life. While public attention may at times focus on isolated moments during an incident, our priority remains the safety of the public, the safety of our responders, and the preservation of life.”

Hotels in Depoe Bay - Where to eat - Depoe Bay Maps and Virtual Tours

Hotels in Cannon Beach - Where to eat - Cannon Beach Maps and Virtual Tours

 

 

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