A Coast Guard aircrew and local agency partners rescued a stranded hiker from an isolated beach cove at God’s Thumb, 5 miles north of Lincoln City, Saturday, Feb. 11. An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Astoria in Warrenton, covering for Coast Guard Air Facility Newport, hoisted the 30-year-old man and transferred him in good condition to emergency medical personnel in Lincoln City. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Bend received a request for assistance at 1:31 p.m. from Lincoln City Police Department personnel in hoisting the hiker, who had become stranded after reportedly falling or sliding down a 130-foot cliff into the cove. Lincoln County Fire Department rescue personnel were already on scene but were unable to safely reach the hiker. Weather on scene was clear, winds up to 17 mph and an air temperature of 50 degrees F.
