Video Release: Coast Guard rescues four surfers in Devils Punchbowl

ASTORIA, Ore. — The Coast Guard rescued four surfers caught in a riptide between Depoe Bay, Ore., and Newport, Ore., Thursday, in an area known as Devils Punchbowl.

At 2:41 p.m., Air Station North Bend, Ore., received a call from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department reporting surfers caught in a riptide.

HH-65C Dolphin helicopter crews from Coast Guard Air Facility Newport, Ore., and Air Station North Bend, Ore., were sent to the area at 2:55 p.m. and two 47-foot motor lifeboat crews were launched from Station Depoe Bay, Ore., to assist.

The helicopter crew from Newport arrived on scene at approximately 3 p.m. and spotted four surfers in distress between two rock outcroppings.

The surfers were hoisted to a nearby rock to place them out of danger and, once all were rescued, they were taken to Devils Punchbowl State Park where they were handed over to the Depoe Bay Fire Department.

The surfers were examined by a Pacific West ambulance crew and released.

This is the third case of surfers in trouble in this area in the past 24 hours.

Large waves along the Washington and Oregon State coast attract many surfers. These seemingly ideal conditions can also place surfers in great danger. Strong rip currents can sweep surfers out to sea. Other currents can push surfers into coves or sea caves, leaving them stranded or vulnerable to rising tides. The Coast Guard encourages surfers to exercise extreme caution when surfing in the Pacific Northwest.

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