Lincoln County Deputy Responds to Vehicle Submerged in Alsea Bay

On Wednesday afternoon, a potentially fatal situation unfolded in Alsea Bay near Waldport, Oregon, when a vehicle driven by an elderly man became partially submerged approximately 40 feet from shore. Responding swiftly to an emergency call, deputies from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the scene at 1:18 p.m.

Deputies Locate Trapped Driver in Alsea Bay

Upon arrival, deputies found a gray Subaru Outback submerged in the bay with water reaching up to its windows. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), an individual could be seen trapped inside the vehicle and was audibly calling for help. The urgency of the situation prompted immediate action from the responding officers.

Deputy Jacob Wright Initiates Water Rescue

Deputies located a small boat nearby and quickly rowed out to the partially submerged car. LCSO reported that Deputy Jacob Wright forced entry into the vehicle, where he found the driver distressed and unable to escape on his own. Wright then left the boat, entered the bay, and managed to pull the man from the vehicle.

Emergency Responders Offer Further Assistance

With the driver now out of the car, Deputy Wright worked to keep him above water until Central Oregon Coast Fire personnel arrived. The collaborative effort continued as deputies and fire personnel helped load the patient onto a Jet Ski to bring him safely to shore. Once on shore, PacWest Ambulance crews began treatment and arranged for transport to a medical facility.

LCSO Commends Swift Actions and Community Partnership

The LCSO acknowledged that multiple first responders played a vital role in the successful outcome, but gave special commendation to Deputy Wright for his swift and selfless actions. “The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office would like to commend Deputy Wright’s swift and selfless action in rendering aid to an individual in crisis,” the agency stated, highlighting the department’s commitment to public safety and quality of life in the community. The office also thanked its first responder partners for their involvement in resolving the incident safely.

Other Recent Coastal Rescues

This rescue comes amid other emergency response activities along the Oregon coast, including recent Coast Guard medevacs and investigations of fatal crashes. The incident highlights the ongoing vigilance and readiness of local first responders to handle critical water rescues and senior emergencies.

Source: beachconnection.net.