Worker rescued in Richmond Beach after trench collapse on work site

You can see the path of Barnacle Creek by following the line of trees

On Monday August 10, 2026 a worker on the Barnacle Creek culvert replacement project in Richmond Beach (see previous article) was rescued by Shoreline Fire after a shored up trench collapsed under him, dropping him 15 feet.

Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Fire was able to extricate the male in his 30’s after only 13 minutes on scene. He was transported by the medics to Harborview with a potential leg injury.

The project, in the 2300 block of NW 204th St in Richmond Beach is in response to concerns about the stability of the rockery and roadway embankment and stream erosion at the culvert outfall.

Units arrived to find a 20’ x 30’ excavation approximately 15 feet deep with one patient who was awake, alert, and unable to self‑extricate due to pain from his injuries.

E164 and A164 stabilized and packaged the patient, L161 operated as the rigging team, and R151 assisted with the extraction and raise. 

The patient was safely removed and transferred to Medic 163 just 13 minutes after arrival and transported to Harborview Medical Center due to mechanism of the injury.

Every crew on scene worked strong and quick and showed exactly what we train so hard for. Strong communication, solid planning, and seamless integration between Engine, Ladder, and Rescue made for an efficient and safe operation.

updated 8-14-2026