Updated
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The body of a 61-year-old Toledo woman who vanished in the surf while clam digging with her husband was located yesterday morning between the Cranberry and Midway beach approaches in Pacific County.
The Pacific County Sheriff’s Office reports a 911 call came in at 9:01 p.m. on Friday reporting the woman missing near the Warrenton Cannery Road. She and her husband had become separated earlier in the evening, according to the sheriff’s office.
Rescue personnel from several agencies were immediately dispatched to the scene and began searching the area. Her body was located about 5:38 a.m. yesterday, Sheriff Scott Johnson stated in a press release.
She was identified as Sharon K. Leseman.
Johnson said she was one of two people who perished in the surf while clam digging on ocean beaches in the county on Friday.
The first 911 call came just minutes previous on Friday night, for a 70-year-old Ocean Park woman, missing from the Oysterville Beach. Her body was found at 5 p.m. yesterday near Westport in Grays Harbor County, according to Johnson. She also had been accompanied by her spouse.
“These incidents serve as a tragic reminder that one must always be vigilant of the powerful surf and waves that are often present on our ocean beaches,” Johnson stated.
The sheriff reminds the public to always stay close to other clammers, bring a flashlight or lantern, a waterproof cell phone, and never turn your back on the surf as “sneaker waves” can appear at any time.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter