S. Oregon Coast Rescue Yields Spectacular Helicopter Photos - Bandon

Published 02/06/26 at 6:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Bandon, Oregon) – Sometimes a heroic rescue makes great art. That is just what happened Thursday on the south Oregon coast. One officer in Bandon caught some astounding shots of the U.S. Coast Guard helicopter hovering over the beach. Officer Zachary Carpenter snapped the amazing photos, with the copter's lights looking rather ethereal. (Photos: Officer Zachary Carpenter, Bandon Police Department)

The shots with the spotlight seem straight outta Star Trek.

However, they were there for more serious and down-to-Earth reasons.

Bandon Police say a coordinated multi-agency response brought a potentially dangerous situation to a safe conclusion Wednesday evening after a person was found atop Cathedral Rock, a large offshore formation in Bandon's tideline.

Officers were notified around 6:30 p.m. on February 4 that an individual had climbed onto the rock. Sgt. Levi Noel and Officer Carpenter responded and worked with the U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon State Police, and Oregon State Parks to plan and carry out a rescue. Authorities say the person appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis.

The individual was safely brought down, and no injuries were reported. Police are withholding the person’s name out of respect for their privacy.

Officials encourage anyone experiencing a mental health crisis to contact Coos Health & Wellness at 541-266-6800. For immediate or life-threatening emergencies, call 911.

There has been a lot going on around the Oregon coast in the last week, with a robbery and burning of the getaway car, and an arson arrest in Newport. On the south coast, Coos County Sheriffs are still asking for the public’s help in locating a 45-year-old man reported missing in the last 48 hours.

Missing Person Case on S. Oregon Coast - Busy Week for Police - One man missing - Variety of action in Tillamook, Newport, Depoe Bay

Ryan Handran was last seen around 6 p.m. on February 3, when his girlfriend dropped him off for work at the Bachelor’s Inn on Edwards Road. He did not return home, and a missing-person report was filed in the early hours of February 4. According to police, Handran typically walks or takes a taxi home.

The Coos County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) began canvassing the area and reviewing surveillance footage. Investigators say cameras captured Handran around 2:30 a.m. near Able Insurance, where he dropped all of his belongings - including his clothing - before walking north on Highway 101 toward Coos Bay.

Handran is described as 5'11", 150 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. Police say he has known health concerns but is not considered dangerous.

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