Missing teenager reported to have fallen into Pacific Ocean

Tillamook County, Ore. — The United States Coast Guard is searching for a teenage girl who witnesses say fell off a cliff and into the ocean at Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, north of Lincoln City, Oregon.

Oregon State Police say the Coast Guard responded to a call of missing 17-year-old Megan Owens Monday afternoon, after a friend said she had fallen while they were hiking. OSP says the Marysville, Washington teen reportedly fell off the rocks into an area known as the “punch bowl.” Eight to ten foot swells were reported at the time of the accident.

During the search, two members from the North Lincoln Fire and Rescue who were searching the area on personal watercraft reportedly fell into the water. They were rescued by a USCG helicopter. One of the responders was dropped off at the beach, while the other was transferred to emergency medical services personnel in Lincoln City.

Aircraft from the USCG searched late into the night, until search crews arrived Tuesday morning. The ongoing search will conducted by the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office.