On July 9, 2024 at approximately 4 pm Cannon Beach and Seaside Fire were dispatched for a high angle rescue for two victims stuck on the side of the cliff.
Firefighters located two juveniles on teh north side of Chapman Point while the Cannon Beach Fire Chief took command and Seaside Operations Chief took charge of operations of the incident. A Cannon Beach rescue swimmer and a lifeguard were deployed to swim in the cove of Chapman to get eyes on the victims and to rescue if they fell off the cliff. A multitude of rope rescue technicians deployed to the cliff.
Chapman Point has no anchors to set up the vortex system. Cannon Beach and Seaside Fire established a picket anchor system to allow one Cannon Beach rope rescue technician down the cliff side. The rescuer harnessed the victims into separate harness systems and helmets while Coast Guard flew overhead to provide a safety line to them.
Both victims were lifted off the cliff by a Coast Guard rescue swimmer and landed on Chapman Beach where they were driven by first responders to Les Shirley Park with minor injuries and reunited with family. Cannon Beach Fire Chief Marc Reckmann would like to thank all the agencies that made this rescue a success.
Cannon Beach Fire reminds the public that climbing the cliffs is inherently dangerous. They are steeper than they appear and are shale rock, making them extremely unstable. Stay on marked hiking paths and do not deviate off them for your own safety. They are there for your protection.
The Cannon Beach Fire District is dedciated to protecting life, property, and the envivonrment for those who are living in or visiting the communities we proudly serve.