What's happened
A seasoned hiker was rescued after sinking into quicksand in Arches National Park. The rescue involved drones, ladders, and all-terrain vehicles. The incident highlights that quicksand is less deadly than myth suggests, with most people buoyant and rarely fully submerged.
What's behind the headline?
The recent rescue underscores the persistent myth that quicksand is highly dangerous and often deadly. In reality, quicksand's density makes full submersion unlikely, and most victims remain buoyant up to their waist. The story reveals how modern rescue techniques, such as drones and traction devices, effectively mitigate these risks. It also highlights the importance of preparedness and accurate knowledge for outdoor enthusiasts. The media coverage, emphasizing the rarity and safety of quicksand, aims to dispel fear and promote informed hiking practices. This incident will likely lead to increased awareness and safety measures in national parks, but it also exposes how myths continue to influence public perception of natural hazards.
What the papers say
The AP News article provides a detailed account of the rescue, emphasizing the rarity of quicksand incidents and the effectiveness of modern rescue tools. The Independent offers context about the park's popularity and previous incidents, reinforcing that such events are uncommon. Both sources agree that quicksand is less lethal than popularly believed, with expert insights from John Marshall clarifying that most people won't sink past their waist. The coverage contrasts the myth of deadly quicksand with the reality of buoyancy and rescue success, illustrating how modern technology and accurate information can prevent panic and improve safety. The media's focus on these rescues aims to educate the public and dispel misconceptions, ensuring outdoor safety is based on facts rather than folklore.
How we got here
Arches National Park attracts over a million visitors annually, known for its sandstone arches and rugged terrain. Accidents, including falls and heat stroke, are common. Quicksand incidents are rare but have occurred before, notably in 2014 when a woman was trapped for over 13 hours in the same canyon area.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Arches National Park is a national park in eastern Utah, United States. The park is adjacent to the Colorado River, 4 miles north of Moab, Utah.
-
Quicksand is a colloid consisting of fine granular material and water. It forms in saturated loose sand when the sand is suddenly agitated. When water in the sand cannot escape, it creates a liquefied soil that loses strength and cannot support weight. Qu