A beachgoer died in Siletz Bay on the Oregon coast Sunday after getting “caught in a strong current and being pulled out to sea,” North Lincoln Fire & Rescue said on social media.
911 dispatchers received a call at 3:40 p.m., and rescuers arrived at the scene within minutes, officials said.
The rescue effort near the mouth of Siletz Bay included two jet skiers, two U.S. Coast Guard lifeboats and a helicopter. Lincoln City police used a drone from the shore.
The missing person was eventually found dead, officials said.
Details about what happened have not been revealed, but North Lincoln Fire & Rescue referenced a sneaker wave in its statement about the incident. It added:
“Never turn your back on the ocean. If the sand is wet, that means the water has already reached that point. And if someone is swept out, do not go in after them — call 911 immediately and keep eyes on them from shore.”
The victim’s name hasn’t been released. The Oregon State Police is investigating the death.
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