Baker County Search and Rescue deployed after Granite man disappears during ice fishing outing at Phillips Reservoir
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, January 26th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER COUNTY — (Release from the Baker County Sherriff’s Office) On January 25, 2024 at approximately 2:53 p.m., Baker County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received a report of a suspicious situation at Phillips Reservoir. The caller expressed concern after noticing a chair on the ice with a large opening beside it. He noted there was a vehicle at the boat ramp along with a dog but had not seen anyone else near the area.
Upon arrival, Deputy Teixeira located the vehicle and dog. He searched the surrounding area but was unsuccessful in locating anyone. During the investigation, the owner of the vehicle was determined to be Mark Norenberg (69 yoa) of Granite, Oregon.
Baker County Search and Rescue deployed to the area, and Deputy Robb, equipped with a dry suit and tethered to a rope system, was sent across the ice with a rescue raft. As he reached the location, approximately 35 yards from shore, Deputy Robb fell through the ice. While in the water, he located items belonging to Norenberg. Deputy Robb was then pulled to shore by the SAR Ropes Team.
Baker County Sheriff’s Office and Baker County Search and Rescue, along with the family of Mark Norenberg, will continue recovery efforts on Saturday, January 27th. We ask that the public please avoid the area while search activity is underway.
Baker County Sheriff’s Office encourages the public to use caution while ice fishing in the local area. Unseasonably warm weather has rendered current ice conditions unsafe for fishing.
Baker County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Baker County Search and Rescue, Greater Bowen Valley Rural Fire Protection District and the family of Mark Norenberg.
