DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ore. — The search for a missing scuba diver from Eugene continues after he went scuba diving in the Umpqua River on Sunday, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO).
According to DCSO, 9-1-1 dispatchers received a call just before 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 29, 2024, from a woman reporting her friend, 47-year-old Jeffery Scott Harris of Eugene had gone missing.
Officials say that Harris had gone scuba diving around 12:30 p.m. that Sunday, in the Umpqua River near the mouth of the Pacific Ocean in Winchester Bay.
Harris, who had previous diving experience, had not returned prompting the call to emergency personnel.
DCSO, along with the United States Coast Guard (USCG), began a large-scale search for Harris. Two USCG Boats along with a helicopter searched the water. DCSO says they and a rescue unit also searched by land with K9 teams and ATV’s until dark.
On Monday, January 30, 2024, the search continued for Harris, crews resumed their efforts by both land and water.
Officials say that dive rescue teams from both Douglas and Lane County attempted to dive in the morning during low tide but had to abort due to dangerous diving conditions. The USCG helicopter assisted in searching 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.
The Sheriff’s Office has been assisted by the United States Coast Guard, Oregon State SAR Coordinator, CAHOOTS of Eugene, Lane County Search and Rescue, Douglas County Marine Patrol and Douglas County Search and Rescue.
