Tillamook County Sheriff's Office, Oregon - Press Release 02-16-2008
http://www.tillamooksheriff.org

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Inflatable Boat Capsizes at Mouth of Nestucca Bay

At about 1:14pm, the Tillamook County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol, US Coast Guard (from Depoe Bay), Nestucca Rural Fire, and Tillamook Ambulance responded to the mouth of the Nestucca River, near Pacific City, on a report of a capsized boat.

Upon arrival, deputies contacted the operator of the boat, Andrew Sparre, of Dallas, Oregon, and learned that Sparre and his passenger, Derrick Scrabeck, also of Dallas, Oregon, had been attempting to cross the mouth of Nestucca Bay into the Pacific Ocean in a 11 foot, 6 inch Zodiac inflatable boat when they lost power during the crossing.

The boat subsequently capsized in heavy surf, throwing both subjects into the water. Neither subjects were wearing a life jacket at the time. Sparre was able to make it to shore. Scrabeck has not been located and is presumed drowned. Sparre was cited by the marine patrol for unsafe boat operation due to the hazardous water conditions at the mouth of the bay.

The marine patrol would like to take this oportunity to urge all boaters to wear their life jackets when on the water.