Coast Guard suspends search for man missing on the Oregon Coast

News Release

September 10, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard 13th District Pacific Northwest Contact: 13th District Public Affairs Office: (206) 220-7237 After Hours: (206) 510-8805

Coast Guard suspends search for man missing on the Oregon Coast 

 

WARRENTON, Ore. —  The Coast Guard suspended at the search 8:56 p.m. for a missing man who reportedly fell off a cliff in Oswald West State Park, Sunday.

The search was suspended after search efforts by an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Sector Columbia River, a 47-foot Motor Life Boat from Station Tillamook Bay and local responders were unsuccessful.

“Suspending a search is one of the hardest decisions we ever have to make,” said Mark Dobney, command duty officer, Sector Columbia River. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this tragic and trying time.”

Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector Columbia River received a report that the 51-year-old British Columbia, Canada, resident was witnessed, by his wife, to have fallen off an 800-foot cliff near the Devil’s Cauldron. Coast Guard air and sea response crews were immediately dispatched to the area and coordinated efforts with ground crews from the Oregon State Police and Manzanita Fire Department.

Search crews were able to locate one of the man’s shoes and his backpack floating in the ocean below where he had reportedly fallen.

The search was conducted until suspended after sunset. The search could continue if more information about the case becomes available.

Weather at the time of the incident was reported at 7 mph winds and 4-foot seas.

 

-USCG-