Man Rescued After 20-Foot Fall Near Frankport
Injured hiker located in coastal cave north of Gold Beach
First responders assist an injured man after a 20-foot fall near Frankport north of Gold Beach. He was transported to Curry General Hospital for treatment. Photo by Curry County Sheriff’s Office.
GOLD BEACH, Ore. — A 23-year-old Beaverton man was rescued Tuesday afternoon after falling approximately 20 feet onto rocks near the ocean at Frankport, according to the Curry County Sheriff’s Office.
Dispatchers received a 911 call at about 4:42 p.m. on March 31 from Nikhil Rowland, who reported he had fallen and could not climb back up. Authorities said Rowland told dispatchers he had knocked out his front teeth, was bleeding, and was having difficulty breathing.
Rowland advised first responders that his vehicle was parked near milepost 315 on Highway 101 and that he had hiked down a trail to reach the shoreline. He also indicated he was in a location where he would not be visible from above.
At approximately 4:54 p.m., Sgt. Jared Gray arrived at a pullout above Frankport and located Rowland’s vehicle. Oregon State Police Trooper Parker Workman and Cal-Ore Life Flight paramedics also responded to assist.
Dispatchers were able to determine Rowland’s approximate location by pinging his cell phone. Frankport is located about 13 miles north of Gold Beach.
Trooper Workman and a Cal-Ore paramedic hiked down the trail and located Rowland inside a large cave. Officials said Workman then guided Rowland out of the cave on his own power so medical personnel could begin treatment.
While medical care was underway, Sgt. Gray drove his patrol vehicle down a rutted access road with assistance from Curry County Search and Rescue member Tim Hawkins, navigating multiple washouts to reach the lower area.
The patrol vehicle was then used to transport Rowland, first responders, and search and rescue personnel back to the top of the hill safely.
At approximately 5:53 p.m., Rowland was transported by Cal-Ore ambulance to Curry General Hospital for treatment of his injuries.
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