Jose Rodriquez Alvarez, 46, was swept into the ocean at Depoe Bay on the morning of January 18, 2018, after reportedly crossing over the protective seawall to watch large surf near the Spouting Horn. Witnesses saw him on the rocks at about 11:20 a.m. when a large wave crashed over the area and carried him into the turbulent, frigid water.

A Coast Guard helicopter from Newport launched within ten minutes and Depoe Bay Fire and Rescue and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office conducted searches by air, sea and shore. Conditions were hazardous that day; the National Weather Service had issued a Coastal Flood Warning with expected breaking waves of 35 to 45 feet. The Coast Guard suspended the search at about 7:15 p.m., citing cold water and perilous surf. Jose Rodriquez Alvarez has not been seen since and is presumed deceased.

If anyone was on the Depoe Bay seawall that morning or has information about what happened, please share what you know with investigators.