A 47-year old man was swept off the rocks into the ocean north of Depoe Bay this morning (Thursday.) Witnesses say he crossed over a sea wall to look at the water and was then hit by a wave and knocked into the frigid water.
Within ten minutes of the incident, a helicopter from the Coast Guard Air Facility Newport was on the scene. Rescuers figure the chances of survival based on water temperature and other factors including the age of the victim. Water on the Oregon coast is usually below 40 degrees.
The Coast Guard warns of the danger of sneaker waves and high water. Petty Officer 2nd Class Ali Flockerzi.
“People are going out to watch the storms and they’re getting killed they’re getting hurt. And a couple people will probably go missing. We have encouraged people, due to the heavy weather to stay away from the beaches completely because those waves can just sneak up on you.”
Flockerzi says another man in Neah Bay was swept into the water earlier. He managed to get out before the Coast Guard reached him.
