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5d ago

Coast Guard Rappels to Rescue Two Teens and Firefighter from Oregon’s God’s Thumb Cliff

Officials urge hikers to stay on marked trails after a second helicopter rescue at God’s Thumb highlighted hidden hazards and hefty response expenses.

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The two 14-year-olds were flown to a nearby beach and reunited with their families.

Overview

  • On July 5, an MH-60 helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Astoria lowered a rescue swimmer to pluck two 14-year-olds and a Lincoln County firefighter from a steep face at Roads End Point and flew them to Siletz Bay State Airfield.
  • All three were uninjured and taken to a nearby hospital for observation following the operation.
  • This marks at least the second helicopter-assisted cliff rescue at God’s Thumb so far in 2025, underscoring a pattern of perilous terrain incidents.
  • Deputy Chief Fire Marshal Cody Heidt estimated the mission cost roughly $20,000, illustrating the financial and logistical toll of repeated deployments.
  • Local authorities warn that concealed vertical drops around the popular site endanger visitors and strain emergency resources when hikers stray from designated trails.