Coast Guard Rescues Four Surfers in Newport, Oregon

Depending on the conditions, Oregon can be an extremely dangerous place to surf, especially for novices.

A Coast Guard helicopter was used to rescue the three surfers.

(NEWPORT, Ore.) - Coast Guard rescue crews headed for a popular surfing area on the south side of Yaquina Head, in Newport, Oregon Wednesday, to rescue four surfers who were trapped on rocks at the base of Yaquina Head.

The Coast Guard at Yaquina Bay received a call at 5:00 p.m. from 911 asking for assistance in the rescue of the four men.

Just less than 30 minutes later, at 5:27 p.m., an HH-65C Dolphin helicopter crew from the Coast Guard Air Facility in Newport, was launched to fly a short distance and assist the men.

The crew reports arriving on scene at 5:30 p.m.

They hoisted three of the men to the helicopter. After flying them to shore the crew returned for the final surfer and the rescue swimmer.

The surfers were transported to waiting Newport Fire Emergency Medical Services crews.

Depending on the conditions, Oregon can be an extremely dangerous place to surf, especially for novices.

Those who are new to the sport can find a number of surf shops on the Oregon coast that offer lessons.

Surfing lessons are not terribly expensive, and they can bring an increased awareness and skill level that would take a long time to learn without professional help.