PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Despite an all out emergency rescue effort, one person died near the mouth of the Siletz Bay Sunday afternoon when a sneaker wave hit.
Callers to 911 reported a person who was caught in a strong current and being pulled out to sea, North Lincoln Fire & Rescue officials said. Within minutes, crews were on their way and two rescue jet skis were launched, along with two lifeboats and a helicopter from the US Coast Guard.
Lincoln City police launched a drone to help look for the person, and crews from Depoe Bay Fire District added extra support.
However, the person had already died when emergency crews found the body.
In a statement, the NLFR provided their condolences to the family.
Sneaker waves can strike without warning and drag people into the deep, cold wate