Man Swallowed by ‘Seemingly Bottomless Sinkhole’ in Oregon

How did the man fall into the hole? It’s unclear. But getting him out was the priority. According to the Yachats Rural Fire Protection District:

“The first arriving units were met with conflicting reports from bystanders about whether or not the subject was still in the water, though units were quickly able to determine that the subject was in the water in Thor's Well. Due to wave conditions, and the nature of the well, personnel on the ground were unable to perform any recovery efforts.”

Eventually, after multiple attempts, “the USCG rescue swimmer was able to recover the deceased subject…The events leading up to the subject falling into the water are unclear, but one bystander reported believing that the subject had been getting too close to the edge of the well.”

For more on this treacherous, epically-named coastal configuration, here’s travel website Visit the USA:

“Sitting on the edge of the Oregon coast near Cape Perpetua, a gaping, seemingly bottomless sinkhole swallows the unbroken stream of seawater around it. Thor’s Well, as the natural wonder is known, is not actually bottomless; it is, however, very dangerous.

“Also known as the drainpipe of the Pacific, the well is actually a hole in the rock that only appears to drain water from the ocean. According to some researchers, the Well probably started out as a sea cave dug out by the waves, before the roof eventually collapsed and created openings at the bottom and top through which the ocean sprays. The huge hole is likely only around 20 feet deep, but it still manages to produce amazing sights.”

Condolences to the loved ones of the man who perished at Thor’s Well. And let that serve as a reminder to use caution when around risky ocean locations.