2 die in surf while digging for clams on Washington beaches

Two women have died in separate incidents after they were caught in rough surf while digging for clams on ocean beaches in southwest Washington.

Pacific County Sheriff Scott Johnson said on Facebook that the women were reported missing Friday around 9 p.m., roughly four minutes apart.

The first 911 call reported that a 70-year-old woman was lost in the surf north of Ocean Park on the Long Beach Peninsula. Her body was found Saturday evening near Westport.

In the second case, a 61-year-old woman from Toledo was reported missing in the surf north of the mouth of Willapa Bay. She had been digging for clams with her husband when the two became separated. Her body was found in Pacific County around 5:30 a.m. Saturday.

The sheriff reminded people to be aware of powerful "sneaker waves" that can appear at any time.

More news from KIRO 7

• Texas marksman fires ...14 seconds later he hits target 3 miles away
• Social worker overlooked boy's abuse, bribed by $10,000 in food stamps, prosecutors say
• Scammers stealing phone numbers from T-Mobile customers to steal money
• Today in Seattle History: I-5 is completed from Everett to Seattle in 1965
• Prosecutors: Counter-Strike co-creator Jess Cliffe paid teen for sex

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE NEWS APP

Associated Press