SANDWICH, Mass. — August 18, 2026: What began as a reported child trapped in a hole at the beach quickly became a major technical rescue Tuesday afternoon when an 18-year-old man became buried up to his mid-chest in collapsing sand and told rescuers he was continuing to sink.
At approximately 3:43 p.m., Sandwich Fire Department responded to the area of 349 Phillips Road for a report of a person trapped in a hole with sand collapsing around him. Due to the geography of the incident and its location over the bridge, Bourne Fire Department responded automatically.
When crews arrived, Bourne Fire Chief David Pelonzi established command. Bourne and Sandwich firefighters found the 18-year-old buried to approximately mid-chest level. He reported that he was sinking further into the unstable sand.
Initial rescuers immediately began digging, but the rescue quickly proved dangerous. As crews attempted to free the victim, more sand collapsed back into the hole, threatening to bury him further.
A Unified Command was established involving Bourne and Sandwich fire personnel and DCR Scusset Beach staff. Recognizing the complexity and danger of the situation, officials requested the Barnstable County Technical Rescue Team, along with specialized Heavy Rescue equipment from Joint Base Cape Cod, Hyannis Fire, Plymouth Fire and Wareham Fire.
Approximately 25 public safety personnel from Sandwich Fire and Police, Bourne Fire and Police, Massachusetts State Police and DCR worked together to stabilize and shore up the collapsing hole while technical rescue operations got underway.
Paramedics began advanced life support care on the victim while crews worked toward extrication. Because of the mechanism of injury and the potentially serious consequences of prolonged burial, Boston Med Flight was requested.
For approximately 30 tense minutes, rescuers worked to free the victim. He had been trapped in the hole for roughly 45 minutes before crews were finally able to remove him from the sand.
The victim was conscious and alert following the rescue. He was transported to the Hoxie School, where Boston Med Flight transported him to Rhode Island Hospital in stable condition.
A second person was evaluated at the scene but declined transportation.
Officials credited the coordinated response and specialized rescue expertise with producing a positive outcome.
Special recognition was given to Barnstable County Technical Rescue Leader and Barnstable Fire Captain Neil Tuepker, who responded directly to the scene and led the technical rescue operation, supported by public safety responders and technical team members.
DCR Scusset Beach personnel and Massachusetts State Police troopers also played a critical role, assisting crews on scene with shoveling, equipment and rescue operations.
What could have become a tragedy ended with a young man safely removed from an unstable sand collapse — the result of a rapid, coordinated response and the painstaking work of dozens of rescuers who refused to let the shifting sand win.
