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Winter dangers still lurk around beach shipwrecks

02:27 PM PDT on Wednesday, March 19, 2008

By DAVID KROUGH, kgw.com Staff

Raw video of the ship

ASTORIA, Ore. -- This first weekend of spring parks officials warned beachgoers that it’s still a “winter ocean” on the Oregon Coast.

The past winter storms washed up historic shipwrecks and cannons because of the tumultuous tides and currents. Ocean experts said visitors need to keep alert while visiting the wrecks since the water flows have been dramatically changing the ocean floor.

"If you're looking at shipwrecks or other exposed objects, you need to stay aware of the tides,” Beach safety education coordinator Robert Smith of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department said. “If you go into the water, you have to be especially wary of rip currents and sneaker waves."

At least three partial wooden shipwrecks were revealed from Bandon to Cannon Beach, one has since been lost again in the ocean sands. In Cannon Beach -- the area’s namesake was validated as old cannons from a U.S. Navy ship washed ashore, and were later put on display.

Smith said it’s still a “winter ocean” and the water is very cold and unpredictable. The safest choice Smith said would be to stay out of the water altogether.

Dangers lurking near also included weakened cliff sides and people were urged not to climb any fences near cliffs to check out the sights.

Experts urged visitors to check tide tables to help avoid getting stranded on rocks or at shipwreck sites. The tables are free at state parks and many coastal hotels and restaurants.