Three tourists were rescued by the Netarts-Oceanside Fire District after becoming stranded on Lost Boy Beach in Oregon on Wednesday, September 16. The group had ventured to the secluded cove to take a "dramatic" photo and were cut off from the mainland by an incoming tide.
Unable to reach cell service at the bottom of the steep cliff, the individuals utilized a satellite emergency feature on their phones to contact 911. The fire district used a drone to locate them on the shrinking patch of beach, where they had begun spelling out "SOS" with sticks. The drone footage captured the scene as rescuers approached.
Lost Boy Beach is accessible only by traversing rocky terrain and a sea cave. While inviting at low tide, the rising water obstructs the sole exit, prompting fire officials to warn of its deceptive dangers.
According to Netarts-Oceanside Fire District Chief Jeff McBrayer, rescue crews initially considered waiting for the tide to recede. However, they opted for an immediate rescue due to rough surf, the potential for sneaker waves, and the fact that the stranded individuals were already cold and wet. Rescuers navigated the hazardous conditions by securing themselves with ropes and guiding the tourists through the surf to safety.
The tourists sustained only minor injuries. Chief McBrayer emphasized the importance of checking tide information, either by asking locals or using tide apps, when exploring such coastal areas.
The beach is named after a local legend of a young boy who reportedly drowned there after being trapped by the tide, a story that has served as a long-standing warning about the cove's treacherous nature. Unlike neighboring Short Beach, which has a community-built stairway, Lost Boy Beach has never had safe overland access. Reaching the beach is exceptionally dangerous and typically only possible during rare, extreme low tides.