Mother, Son Rescued From Sand Collapse On Nauset Beach

ORLEANS, MA –Firefighters rescued a mother and her teenage son when the hole they were digging collapsed on them on a remote part of the beach.

"Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt in today’s incident, but this situation highlights the dangers of digging in the sand," said Fire Chief Geof Deering in a statement."Digging in the beach sand is an innocent exercise, but the potential for danger is real. Today’s lesson is reminder to never dig holes beyond the knee height of the smallest person in a beach going group."

Someone called 911 Friday evening to report that the two were trapped in the sand at Nauset Beach in the area where residents are permitted to drive their cars over the sand.

Some 7 minutes after the call came in, Orleans Fire Department EMTs stationed at the beach arrived at the spot and found the woman, in her 40s, and her teenage son trapped in the 6-foot-deep hole. The teen was buried up to his chest and the woman up to her waist, according to fire department officials.

Additional Fire Department personnel, as well Orleans Natural Resources personnel came in to help remove the two. Orleans Fire Department paramedics evaluated them, but both said they didn't need to go to the hospital.