A few final sun rays shimmer off of the surf during a razor clam opening at Long Beach late last year.
A Toledo woman was one of two people who died Friday in Pacific County after being swept out into the surf, according to a news release from the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office.
The 61-year-old Toledo woman — identified by The Daily News as Sharon K. Leseman — was reported missing at 9:01 p.m. Friday off Warrenton Cannery Road in North Cove, according to the sheriff’s office. She was reportedly digging clams with her husband before the two became separated.
“Rescue personnel from several agencies were immediately dispatched to the scene and began searching the area,” according to a news release from the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office.
The woman’s body was found Saturday evening between the Cranberry and Midway beach approaches in Pacific County. Her name has not yet been released.
Minutes before the Toledo woman was reported missing, a 70-year-old Ocean Park woman, also clamming with her spouse, was reported lost in the surf at Oysterville Beach. A U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter and ground crews searched for her, but were unsuccessful. Her body was found Saturday near Westport.
The Daily News identified her as Jerilynn K. Reinke.
“These incidents serve as a tragic reminder that one must always be vigilant of the powerful surf and waves that are often present on our ocean beaches,” the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a statement. “Always stay close to other clammers, bring a flashlight or lantern, a waterproof cell phone and never turn your back on the surf as ‘sneaker waves’ can appear at any time.”
