WINCHESTER BAY Ore. (KPTV) – A man from Eugene went missing on Sunday following a dive in the Umpqua River.
Shortly before 3 p.m., 911 received a call from a woman who reported her friend missing. Jeffrey Scott Harris, 47, had gone scuba diving in the river near the mouth of the Pacific Ocean in Winchester Bay around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.
Harris, who had previous diving experience, did not return.
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The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Coast Guard, began a search for Harris with boats, helicopters and search-and-rescue units with ATVs and K9 units until dark.
On Monday searchers resumed their efforts by the water and ground. Dive teams attempted to dive in the morning during low tide but had to leave due to dangerous diving conditions. The Coast Guard assisted in searching with helicopter throughout the morning.
“We have been in communication with Jeffrey’s family and have kept them updated as to the efforts that are being made. We are doing everything we can to assist them in locating Jeffrey,” Lt. Brad O’Dell said. “Deputies will return Tuesday to patrol the area by land. We are also coordinating with outside agencies to determine if specialized underwater searching equipment can be utilized in the conditions.”
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