ASTORIA, Ore. - With only a slight creak and snapping sound for warning, friends gathering for a crabbing trip took a surprise spill into the cold water of the Columbia River Thursday evening.
The majority of the Red Lion Inn in Astoria sits atop pilings, which means most motel rooms and their balconies hover over the water of the Mooring Channel at the Port of Astoria. The marina is in the industrial area near Pier 1 west of downtown Astoria.
The six men were part of a larger group of ten visiting the Coast. The hotel room was on the first floor. The balcony that collapsed was about 15 feet above the water. The incident happened just after 5 p.m. on Thursday. Authorities say that weather was not likely a factor in the incident.
Several of the men sustained minor injures from the fall into the water, including cuts and bruises. The water at the time is believed to be about six feet deep. The timing of the tides many have helped the injuries from being more severe. Had the balcony collapsed at low tide, it’s possible the hotel guests may have fallen onto more of the exposed sharp rocks below.
While a few pieces of the balcony still float in the water, the majority of the wreckage sits on the dock behind yellow caution tape. The Astoria Fire Chief says the investigation into the collapse is still underway. A building inspector is expected to explore the scene on Friday.
