A group of tourists ended up stuck on an Oregon beach after rising tides trapped them while they tried to snap a “dramatic” photo on Wednesday, authorities said.
The picturesque photo op turned dangerous after the three hiked down to the Tillamook County cove to capture their pic, The Oregonian reported.
The isolated Lost Boy Beach requires visitors to climb down a sketchy path with sharp rocks, then cross through an open-ended sea cave before reaching the coast, according to the outlet.
But the visitors didn’t realize that the incoming tide would cut off their exit – and were soon stuck on the beach, Tillamook Fire Chief Jeff McBrayer said.
“You have to ask a local or check a tide app on a phone for tide information,” McBrayer said. “Because, when people are stranded there, we may not be able to get to them.”
The fire chief said that authorities were first called to the stranded snappers’ aid around 3:45 p.m.
Rescuers rushed over after one of the castaways managed to make an emergency 911 call via satellite, as they had no cell service, McBrayer said.
Authorities said they flew a drone over to the location and found the stuck shutterbugs waiting for help on the last remaining bit of land, having spelled out “SOS” with bundles of sticks.
The fire department then rushed a rescue crew over to save the stranded tourists, who were cold and wet, before hypothermia could set in, according to authorities.
Fire crews hugged what little shoreline was still dry to reach the stranded trio, braving large waves and rough waters, McBreyer said.
Rescuers then led the tourists out, having them wade through the surf with life vests before they could safely walk out of the cove on their own, he said.
Despite some bruises, all three were unharmed, according to authorities.
McBreyer said he hopes the incident will lead people to be more cautious while exploring Oregon’s beaches.
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