Jamie Acord describes the moment she suddenly sank into a hidden pit at a popular Maine beach.
Jamie Acord, a banking technology specialist, was walking on Popham Beach in Maine during the first weekend of June when she unexpectedly fell waist-deep into quicksand-like wet sand near the mouth of the Morse River. Acord shared her experience, describing it as if she had stepped into a hidden pit, similar to walking down a street and suddenly finding a missing manhole cover. Her husband, who was walking ahead of her, turned around in confusion when he noticed she had vanished from view.
The incident occurred at Popham Beach State Park, a popular tourist destination located about 50 miles east of Portland. In response to the potential danger of the terrain, officials recently posted warning signs throughout the park to inform visitors of the natural hazards lurking beneath the sand. The signs specifically caution about the presence of sticky sediment pockets near the river mouth, where the fresh water of Morse River meets the sea.
Acord, who was walking along the beach with her husband, said she didn’t expect the ground to give way, but in an instant, she was trapped in the sticky sediment, unable to move. She described the experience as frightening and disorienting, particularly since the beach had seemed so safe before the unexpected fall. Fortunately, she was able to free herself with the help of her husband, who pulled her out of the deep pit.
The presence of quicksand-like wet sand is a natural phenomenon that can occur at beaches and river mouths, where shifting tides and currents create pockets of sediment that can trap a person if not careful. Officials warn that this type of terrain is not only dangerous but can be hidden from view, making it difficult for beachgoers to anticipate the risk.
Acord’s story highlights the potential hazards of seemingly safe beaches, particularly in areas where freshwater rivers meet the ocean. While such quicksand-like conditions are rare, they are not entirely uncommon in coastal regions, and visitors are urged to remain cautious and heed any posted warnings. In this case, the timely placement of warning signs at Popham Beach may help others avoid similar encounters.
The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of natural environments, and how quickly a serene beach experience can turn into an emergency situation. Despite the terrifying moment, Acord expressed relief that she was able to walk away from the incident unscathed, though she encouraged others to stay alert while enjoying the beach
