Douglas Co. SO release - On Friday, February 27, 2026, at approximately 7:23 a.m., Douglas County 911 dispatchers received a report of a man stranded in the middle of the South Umpqua River yelling for help.  The Sheriff’s Office, along with multiple other agencies responded to the area and located the man in the river near Portland Avenue. Rescue boats from Central Douglas Fire & Rescue, Oregon State Police, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched.  Initial responders attempted to coordinate a rescue, which was only accessible by boat due to the swift current. As boats were responding, the victim lost his grip and was swept downstream. Deputies attempted to throw a rescue rope to the man, but the rescue attempt was unsuccessful. The victim eventually went under the water and did not resurface.   Recovery attempts continued for several more hours unsuccessfully. Additional search efforts will continue in the days ahead.  Through the investigation, deputies learned the man had attempted to cross the river in a raft, using a stick to move propel himself across the river. The identity of the victim is unknown at this time.  The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Oregon State Police, Douglas County Search and Rescue, Central Douglas Fire & Rescue, Roseburg Fire Department and Umpqua Valley Ambulance.