MAN BURIED IN SAND IS RESCUED

Humber Coastguard received a call from ambulance control at just after 4.00 pm today to request assistance for the man who was at Druridge Bay near Cresswell. The Newbiggin, Amble and Howick Coastguard Rescue Teams went to the scene and joined police, fire and ambulance personnel. All of the teams worked to dig around the man, stabilise him and put him on oxygen. The fire service then called in their urban search and rescue team who shored up the hole so that the man could finally be recovered.
Bev Allen Humber Coastguard Watch Manager says:
“Visitors to the beach need to bear in mind that sand is extremely unstable. And sand dunes of course, by their nature are constantly shifting. We are very relieved that we managed to recover this man relatively unscathed from the sand. It does not bear thinking about what might have happened had a child been in the hole instead.
“We want our visitors to enjoy our wonderful coastline, particularly in the lovely weather that we are having at the moment. However, if you’re digging holes in the sand, dig them away from areas such as sand dunes where sand could slide, only dig up to the smallest person’s waist and never dig tunnels.”

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