‘Happy to be alive’: Florida teen survives ocean plunge after Sebastian Inlet pier grate collapses

A 16-year-old boy survived a plunge into turbulent ocean waters Sunday after a metal grate collapsed under his feet at the Sebastian Inlet State Park fishing pier.Sebastian Inlet pier collapseLanden Williams was walking along the fishing pier when the walkway suddenly gave way beneath him during king tides. The fall sent the teenager plunging into the ocean, snapping his fishing rod as he dropped.Williams quickly stripped off his boots, outer layers and fishing equipment so he could swim away from the dangerous pilings. Relying on his ability to float and keep calm, he let the strong current push him toward shore instead of out to sea."I was just thanking the Lord that I was still alive. I was just happy to be alive," said Williams.Rescue and safety concernsFriends who witnessed the sudden drop tried throwing buoys to Williams, but the safety rings could not reach him in the rough water. Friend Memphis Prince and other companions rushed into the surf to pull him onto the beach once he