Emergency services were called to Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall, on Thursday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to Fistral Beach in Newquay

An 18-year-old had to be pulled from the sand by beachgoers and the Coastguard after a hole he dug collapsed on him.

Emergency services were called to Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall, on Thursday afternoon.

They worked with members of the public to dig the man out and remove him from the hole.

Newquay Police Response posted on Twitter that the man had ‘dug a hole in the sand, which collapsed on him’.

It added that ‘friends and beachgoers all worked together to dig (the) man to safety’.

A spokeswoman for Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called by the Coastguard at 5.30pm on Thursday.

EDITORS NOTE IMAGE REDACTED AT SOURCE Photo dated 01/07/21 taken with permission from the Twitter feed of Devon and Cornwall Police @NewquayResponse of Emergency services and members of the public working to free an 18-year-old male trapped beneath collapsed sand at Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall, on Thursday. Issue date: Friday July 2, 2021. PA Photo. See PA story RESCUE Newquay. Photo credit should read: @NewquayResponse/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
@NewquayResponse of Emergency services and members of the public working to free an 18-year-old male trapped beneath collapsed sand at Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall, on Thursday (Picture: PA)
Newquay Community Fire Station @NewquayCFRS Yesterday Red watch attended a multi agency rescue to dig a man from a collapsed hole #Fistral he luckily survived thanks to the efforts of all involved. Just a reminder to think about the dangers around digging holes on beaches! Enjoy the #beach but #staysafe #Cornwall #fire
Multi agency rescue to dig a man from a collapsed hole

She said sand had collapsed on to the man, causing him to become trapped.

‘Emergency services and members of the public removed him from the hole and he was left in the care of the ambulance service,” the spokeswoman added.

In a post on Facebook, Newquay Community Fire Station said the man was allowed to go home after being checked over.

‘A big thank you to all the assistance from the public, Coastguard and lifeguards,’ the post said.

‘As one team using our sand lance, breathing apparatus, spades and surfboards, we were able to ensure this was a happy ending.

‘This could have easily resulted in crushing or suffocation. Please don’t dig huge holes in the sand, sand is partial to collapse and the dry weight is around a ton per metre cubed.

‘You wouldn’t dig a hole in the garden and let your children climb in; please don’t do it on a beach either.’

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