Oregon Fisherman Survives Boulder Trap Using Siri to Call 911
A man pinned by a massive boulder while fishing on the Oregon coast was rescued after using his Bluetooth earbuds to activate Siri and call emergency services.
Joseph Little, 28, was fishing alone at a marina in Hammond, Oregon, when a boulder dislodged and trapped him. The Warrenton Fire Department arrived at the scene at 7:38 a.m. on Sunday and found Little pinned. Due to the unstable terrain, firefighters were unable to free him, prompting the Coast Guard to assist.
A Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter crew arrived at 9:55 a.m. and hoisted Little from the rocks, transporting him to Columbia Memorial Hospital. Little's family stated in an online fundraiser that he used his headphones to call for help after the boulder crushed him. His mother, Mindy, told local affiliate KPTV that he instructed Siri to call 911 using his Bluetooth earbuds.
First responders located Little by honking their horns while a dispatcher asked if he could hear them. A drone was also used to pinpoint his location, with only a portion of his upper body visible. The fire department removed smaller rocks surrounding Little before he was hoisted to safety by the Coast Guard.
Dramatic footage captured the rescue, showing an emergency responder being lowered from the helicopter onto the treacherous terrain to secure Little to a stretcher before they were both lifted to safety. Chief Petty Officer Patrick Toomey of the Coast Guard Sector of the Columbia River noted that the event demonstrated the effective collaboration between the Coast Guard and local agencies in saving lives.
The Coast Guard issued a warning about the dangers of jetties and breakwaters, citing their often slippery and uneven surfaces, as well as changing tides that can shift boulders. Little's grandmother, Kelly Simonson, recounted that he attempted to move away when he felt the boulder shift but slipped, leading to him being trapped.
Little sustained severe injuries and underwent extensive surgeries. His mother described his survival as a "miracle," stating he was "almost unrecognizable." As of Thursday night, the family had raised over $20,000 for his recovery, with his wife, Sabrina, staying by his side. Little was preparing for facial reconstruction surgery. His Facebook profile indicates he works for the City of Gearhart and married Sabrina in 2024.