Search Launched for Missing Man in Rogue River

Coast Guard, local agencies searching for man spotted in trouble in 48F-50F degree water.

Coast Guard helicopter File photo

(ASTORIA, Ore.) - The Coast Guard, Curry County Sheriff's Department and Oregon State Police are searching for a man spotted near River Mile 8 in the Rogue River Friday.

Two witnesses reported seeing the man waving a shiny object while clinging to a log in the debris-choked river at approximately 2:30 p.m., according to a statement issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Curry County Sheriff's Department requested assistance from the Coast Guard after attempts to put a boat in the water to search for the man failed due to rough conditions.

An HH-65 rescue helicopter crew was dispatched from Group/Air Station North Bend, Oregon to search for the man.

The Coast Guard says the helicopter crew returned to base after weather and lighting conditions made their search too difficult to continue but another crew will resume the search at first light Saturday.

Until then crews continue to search the river by land.

The temperature in the river is estimated at between 48F-50F degrees and currents are at 7-8 knots. The river is also heavily cluttered with fallen trees and other debris.