Boy buried under 7ft of sand survives 30 minute ordeal

A 17-year-old boy was lucky to escape with his life after getting trapped under seven feet of sand at Newport Beach, California on Wednesday.

Matt Mina got caught under the avalanche of sand after a tunnel he had been digging collapsed on top of him. Frantic efforts to save the young man from Free Union, Virginia paid off as he was saved after surviving the 30 minute drama.

Speaking to press after the incident Matt said, “I thought I was going to die, I didn’t expect to get rescued. I didn’t even know if anyone could hear me screaming, it was very scary”.

After the panic was initially raised a number of beachgoers joined lifeguards in attempting to dig out the trapped youngster, who survived by moving his head side to side to create air space. "I want to thank everyone that helped me stay alive. I wanted to give a shout out to them and say thank you” he added. 

California police have since issued a strong warning to those tunneling on Orange County beaches.