Tuesday January 2nd at around 10:23 am, Tillamook County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to assist Nestucca Fire-Rescue, Tillamook Ambulance and Netarts-Oceanside Fire-Rescue personnel with a water rescue which occurred at Cape Kiwanda Beach in Pacific City. The U.S. Coast Guard was also notified. Two local surfers were being pushed by wind and swells towards the rocks on the north side of the beach. One of the surfers was able to ride a wave in safely to the beach, while the other was pushed further out. The surfers were experienced and were wearing appropriate wetsuits for conditions.
The surfer still in the water was able to stay with his board, and used hand signals to let responders know his position and that he was okay. Nestucca Fire-Rescue personnel launched their rescue drone which had a personal flotation device (PFD) tethered below it. Responders lost sight of the surfer for a short period of the time. During the time, the surfer was able to paddle around the Cape and work his way toward Mcphillip’s Beach. “The Coast Guard was activated, but thankfully the man was able to paddle to shore on the north side of the Cape, where we had personnel stationed," said Nestucca Fire Chief Jim Oeder. “He was tired but uninjured.”
On December 22, 2023, a recreational boater lost engine power while crabbing in Tillamook Bay. Personnel from the Tillamook County Sheriff's Office, Garibaldi Fire Rescue, Oregon State Police and United States Coast Guard responded to the area - as Tillamook 911 dispatchers helped coordinate the response. "The boat had 6 people on board when it lost power," said TCSO Deputy Billy Cloud. "But, before they could get their kicker motor started, the boat washed up on the rocks near Lyster's corner. There were no injuries, and everyone was assisted safely from the boat."
Marine Deputy Dennis Greiner later launched a TCSO Marine Patrol boat. "We came back around 5pm and launched from Garibaldi," said Deputy Greiner. "Deputies Billy Cloud and Terrance Watters came along onboard to assist." "We got a bow line on the boat and we were able to successfully pull the vessel off the rocks, with the help of the swells. The boat was towed back to the marina and the awaiting trailer," said Deputy Greiner. "It was nice to be able to rescue the boat, before it accrued any more damage, or became a navigational hazard to other boaters," added Deputy Cloud.
TCSO's Marine Patrol is funded by the Oregon State Marine Board. TCSO Marine Deputy's are Criminal Patrol Deputies that receive specialized training in emergency operation of motorized and non-motorized boats, water rescue, and the enforcement of marine and fishing laws.
