Florida Man Survives Days Trapped in Quicksand After Valentine's Disappearance
A 36-year-old man from Jacksonville, Florida, has been rescued after being trapped in quicksand for several days following his disappearance on Valentine's Day. Andrew Giddens was found in a critical condition at the Vulcan Sand Plant on 25 February, having been missing since 14 February.
Search and Rescue Operation
The Putnam County Sheriff's Office initiated a search after Giddens' car was discovered on 23 February, leading to a multi-agency effort. Crews from the Palatka, Putnam County, and Melrose Fire Departments faced significant challenges due to unstable ground conditions at the site.
Giddens was located trapped in shoulder-deep mud in freezing temperatures, requiring a complex rescue operation. The unstable terrain made access difficult, but emergency teams successfully extracted him from the quicksand.
Medical Response and Aftermath
Following his rescue, Giddens was immediately airlifted to a trauma centre, where he was reported to be in a critical condition. The incident highlights the dangers of quicksand and the importance of rapid emergency response in such hazardous environments.
Authorities have not yet released details on how Giddens became trapped or his current medical status, but the rescue underscores the risks associated with remote industrial sites like sand plants.
