Tourists Trapped by Rising Tide While Posing for Photos on Beach

WHO:

NBC News - The stranded tourists were described as “two males, one female” in their 20s.

Fox News - Three tourists were involved in the incident.

WHAT:

NBC News - The tourists were evaluated for injuries and had “minor scrapes and bumps.”

NBC News - The Netarts-Oceanside Fire District Chief Jeff McBrayer stated that the rescue team used a rope system to access the victims and placed them in life vests.

Fox News - The tourists were trapped by a rising tide while attempting to take a dramatic photo.

NY Post - The tourists spelled out "SOS" with sticks while waiting for help.

WHERE:

Fox News - The incident occurred at Lost Boy Beach in Tillamook County, Oregon.

WHY:

NBC News - Chief McBrayer noted an uptick in visitors seeking to make videos for social media platforms like TikTok.

HOW:

NBC News - Chief McBrayer warned that the region is expecting higher tides in the months to come due to the current El Niño year.

NY Post - Authorities used a drone to survey the location and locate the stranded tourists.

(UPDATED September 21, 2026 22:00 UTC)

Three tourists in their 20s, described as two males and one female, were rescued after being stranded, suffering only minor scrapes and bumps. The Netarts-Oceanside Fire District Chief Jeff McBrayer explained that the rescue team used a rope system to reach the victims and fitted them with life vests. He also highlighted a rise in visitors attempting to capture videos for social media, warning that higher tides are anticipated in the coming months due to the ongoing El Niño conditions.

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(UPDATED September 21, 2026 13:02 UTC)

Three tourists found themselves trapped by a rising tide at Lost Boy Beach in Tillamook County, Oregon, while trying to take a dramatic photo. In a desperate bid for help, they spelled out "SOS" with sticks as they waited for rescue. Authorities responded by using a drone to survey the area and locate the stranded individuals.