A man in Melrose, Florida, was saved from what police described as “quicksand” mud on February 25, after being reported missing a few days prior.

Andrew Giddens, age 36, was reported missing by police after his car was found abandoned on February 23, with the last known contact with him having been on February 14.

Police launched an aerial search and requested that Vulcan Materials Company search their property, since Giddens had previously been found trespassing on a Vulcan site in 2023.

Giddens was found on a Vulcan site in Melrose, buried shoulder-deep in mud at the same level of the grass surrounding a borrow pit, making him “virtually camouflaged,” police said.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office released this footage, which shows the team effort from police and several local fire departments to free Giddens from the mud.

Over the course of three hours, crews used ropes, ladders, and pallets to pull Giddens to safety – having to be careful not to get stuck themselves – and he was transported by air ambulance to a trauma center in critical condition.

“Due to his mental health, no charges are being considered at this time,” police said. “We hope that he is able to recover from his ordeal both physically and mentally.”