UPDATE: There are now conflicting details regarding Sunday’s tragic ocean incident near Siletz Bay in Lincoln City.
KGW initially reported that the person who died was a surfer caught in a current and pulled out to sea. However, other outlets, including OregonLive, describe the victim simply as a beachgoer who was swept away by a sneaker wave.
North Lincoln Fire & Rescue crews responded to a distress call Sunday afternoon after reports of a surfer being pulled out to sea by a powerful current near Siletz Bay in Lincoln City.
The emergency call came in around 3:40 p.m., prompting NLFR to deploy two rescue jet skis to search the waters. The U.S. Coast Guard joined the response with lifeboats and a helicopter, while Lincoln City Police assisted using a drone to help locate the individual.
Despite extensive efforts, the person was recovered and later pronounced dead at the scene. Their identity has not yet been released.
In a statement shared on social media, North Lincoln Fire & Rescue expressed heartfelt condolences to the victim’s loved ones, reminding beachgoers to stay alert around the ocean’s unpredictable surf.
“Sneaker waves can appear suddenly, sweeping people off their feet and dragging them into freezing, turbulent water,” the department cautioned.
Authorities urge the public not to enter the ocean to rescue anyone who’s been pulled out by a wave. Instead, call 911 immediately and keep sight of the person from the shore until help arrives.
Oregon State Police are overseeing the investigation. Further details have not yet been released.
