Three tourists became stranded on an Oregon beach Wednesday after rising tides blocked their escape while they were trying to take a “dramatic” photograph, authorities said.
The photo opportunity quickly turned hazardous when the group hiked down to a secluded cove in Tillamook County, according to The Oregonian.
Reaching isolated Lost Boy Beach requires visitors to navigate a hazardous trail over sharp rocks and pass through an open-ended sea cave before arriving at the shoreline, the newspaper reported.
The visitors apparently failed to account for the incoming tide, which soon submerged their route out and left them trapped on the beach, Tillamook Fire Chief Jeff McBrayer said.
“You have to ask a local or check a tide app on a phone for tide information,” McBrayer said. “Because, when people are stranded there, we may not be able to get to them.”
The fire chief said emergency crews were notified at about 3:45 p.m.
Rescuers responded after one of the stranded tourists placed a satellite 911 call. The group had no cellphone service in the remote area, McBrayer said.
A drone sent to survey the beach located the tourists on the last remaining patch of land. They had arranged bundles of sticks to spell out “SOS” while waiting for help, authorities said.
Firefighters then launched a rescue operation, reaching the cold and soaked tourists before they developed hypothermia, according to authorities.
Crews followed the narrow strip of shoreline that remained above water, navigating powerful waves and turbulent conditions to reach the trio, McBreyer said.
The rescuers outfitted the tourists with life vests and guided them through the surf. Once clear of the water, the group was able to leave the cove on foot, he said.
All three escaped without serious injury, suffering only some bruises, authorities said.
McBreyer said he hopes the close call will remind visitors to check tide conditions and take extra precautions when exploring Oregon’s rugged coastline.
