A man who dug a large pit on a Cape Cod beach and then fell into it was rescued this week.
First responders who were called to the scene on Tuesday between Sagamore Beach and Scusset Beach in Sandwich, Massachusetts, included the Sandwich Fire Department.
“He dug the hole in the sand,” Sandwich Fire Department chief John Burke told NTD. “I have not had something like this happen in my 32-year career. He had started digging the hole while at the beach.”
Authorities received the report at 3:43 pm on Aug. 18 and initially it was stated that a teen was stuck in a hole at the beach with sand collapsing around him in the area of 349 Phillips Road.
The unnamed individual was buried above the waist after the hole he dug caved in and trapped him.
By the time he was lifted out, the hole was about 6 feet deep; however, it did not contain any ocean water, according to Burke.
Bourne police officers were among the emergency workers who assisted in digging the man out from inside the hole in the sand, which was just 70 feet from the water.
Eight shovels were used as well as several small gator-type ATVs to transport equipment and personnel.
While the trapped individual was still stuck in the hole, his oxygen levels were monitored and intravenous therapy was initiated.
“Pieces of plywood were used to shore up the hole as we kept digging to get him out,” Burke added. “We also utilized rope from a life ring to tie around him at chest level.”
Once freed, the victim was med-flighted by Boston Med Flight to Rhode Island Hospital.
Coastal emergency officials frequently advise beach lovers to refrain from digging deep holes into dry sand, and sand holes should never be dug deeper than knee level, according to the U.S. Lifesaving Association, because sand collapse incidents on public beaches can result in dangerous weight on a victim's chest, making breathing difficult without medical intervention.
Officials urge beachgoers to fill in any pits before leaving, as unattended holes create hidden hazards for pedestrians, nocturnal wildlife, and emergency vehicles crossing the shoreline during high-tide maneuvers or urgent nighttime rescue calls.