Oregon Coast Incidents: Family Needs Rescue at Lincoln City, Fatal Crash Near Astoria

Published 08/04/2026 at 9:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Lincoln City, Oregon) – It was a busy weekend on the northern half of the Oregon coast with a variety of rescues and incidents. Two of the more major issues including a fatal crash along the route to Astoria and a family that needed rescue from Lincoln City waters. (Photo NLFR)

Lincoln City's Siletz Bay was the scene of concern for a little while on Saturday afternoon when 911 was called to report a group of paddleboarders in distress. That call, about 3:32 p.m., proved to not be problematic, as crews arrived at the scene near the SW 51st access to find they were not in any danger at all. The caller thought they would not be able to make it back onshore, but North Lincoln Fire & Rescue (NLFR) found that not to be true.

However, an hour later, conditions on the Oregon coast had changed.

“At 4:17 p.m., North Lincoln Fire & Rescue received another 911 call reporting that the same group was now surrounded by water,” the agency said. “The incoming tide had filled in around the sandbar, and significantly stronger winds had left the family unable to paddle back to shore. The family was clinging to a large log lodged on the sandbar while awaiting assistance.”

With the tide rising and sustained winds near 25 knots, NLFR’s Water Rescue Team deployed a rescue personal watercraft staffed by two trained rescuers. The team reached the stranded family and rescued two juveniles and their father, bringing them safely back to shore. All three were evaluated by EMS personnel and declined transport to the hospital.

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Officials say the incident illustrates how quickly conditions can change in Siletz Bay, where an area accessible one moment can become isolated by the incoming tide within minutes. Although the bay may appear calm and inviting, rising tides, strong tidal currents, and increasing winds can rapidly create dangerous conditions for both motorized and non-motorized watercraft.

NLFR said the incident underscores how quickly Siletz Bay can shift from calm to hazardous, with rising tides, strong currents, and wind creating dangerous conditions for both motorized and non-motorized craft.

“Before heading out on the water, always check current weather and tide forecasts, wear a properly fitted life jacket, and have a plan for changing conditions. Know before you go. When in doubt, don't go out,” they said.

The incident came just before Bandon rescuers had to assist a pair of boaters trapped on rocks near the mouth of the Coquille River this week. Two Rescued from Rocks at Bandon by Southern Oregon US Coast Guard Crew, Police - Video: Boat began taking on water near the Coquille River South Jetty in Bandon

Farther up near the north Oregon coast, Oregon State Police are investigating a fatal crash on Highway 30.

OSP said a motorcycle and a van collided head-on Saturday night near milepost 90 in Clatsop County. Troopers were dispatched at approximately 8:59 p.m. to the scene just east of Astoria.

According to the preliminary investigation, a black Triumph Daytona motorcycle operated by 55-year-old Samuel Stephen Clutter of Portland was traveling eastbound when it crossed into the westbound lane while attempting to pass in a no-passing zone near Timmerman Road. The motorcycle struck a yellow Ford Transit van driven by 42-year-old Matthew James Weatherman of Warrenton.

Clutter was pronounced dead at the scene. Weatherman reported minor injuries.

The crash closed the highway for roughly five hours while OSP conducted the on-scene investigation. Agencies assisting included the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office, Knappa Fire District, Medix Ambulance Service, the Clatsop County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

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