Lost in Beaver Marsh, May 26

On May 21, 2014 at about 10:40 PM, the Coos County 911 Center received a 911 call from a couple who reported they had become lost while hiking.  Coos County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the area known as Beaver Marsh north of Coquille in the area across from Coaledo Scales.  The couple, 34 year old Melissa Bishop and 38 year old Michael Wellard indicated that they had been out hiking since the morning, 12-14 hours before they called 911.  They advised that they had gone to the area to look for eagles but got lost in the thick brush of the swamp.  Mr. Wellard had gone out hiking in sandals but had lost them early on and had been barefoot for some time suffering minor scrapes on the bottoms of his feet.  Due to the swamps thick vegetation the Deputy could not get to the couple on foot.  A Coos County Marine Deputy responded with a small boat.  Due to the thick vegetation and complications getting to the waterway the Marine Deputy was delayed in getting to the people.  At 4:00 AM the couple was located and returned by boat to an area off of Highway 42.  Neither required medical treatment.  The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind people that even if they are going out for a short hike to wear appropriate clothing including proper shoes or boots.  Dress in layers with enough to keep warm if something goes wrong.  A working cell phone and some bottled water are also important.  Be aware of where you are going and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.  These are all small things that can make the difference when the unexpected happens.