Rescuers faced a challenging situation when a man got trapped in quicksand, leaving only his head and arm visible upon the arrival of the search and rescue team.
The Bay Search and Rescue team responded to a distress call about a man stuck in quicksand near Silverdale, Lancashire, on Saturday morning. The man was lying in a soft gulley with his upper body partially visible, but due to his position, he was not deeply submerged, although he was exhausted and suffering from hypothermia.
To reach the man, the team deployed two rescue air pathways while coordinating with another rescue team. One pathway was positioned behind the man to prevent further sinking, and the other was strategically placed in front to facilitate his release.
After safely extricating him, the man was transferred to a warmer location for assessment and treatment. The team acted swiftly as the tide began to rise, emphasizing the close call they had just averted. The man was later handed over to the North West Ambulance Service for further evaluation at the Bob In Café.
Quicksand poses risks in areas with high water tables or large tidal zones, such as beaches, marshes, and riverbanks, where individuals can become trapped and exposed to rising water levels.
Instances of individuals getting stuck in quicksand have been reported, including a British tourist rescued from an eight-foot hole in Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach. The tourist spent hours trapped before being assisted by bystanders in a lengthy rescue operation.
Remembering that quicksand incidents can escalate rapidly, it is crucial to exercise caution in such environments to prevent accidents and ensure safety for all beachgoers.
