Seahouses RNLI rescues two people cut off by the tide on Holy Island Causeway
At 5:40pm on Wednesday 27 August, pagers sounded for Seahouses RNLI volunteers after Humber Coastguard tasked them to launch to reports of a vehicle submerged on the Holy Island Causeway, with two adults stranded on the roof and cut off by the tide.
Seahouses D-Class inshore lifeboat Grace Darling, with three crew onboard, launched and made best speed to the scene. On route to the location of the casualties, further information was received via VHF radio that the two casualties had managed to wade to the refuge hut at the midpoint of the causeway.
On arrival, Helm Tris Owens carefully manoeuvred the lifeboat so crew could safely reach and recover the casualties. Both were taken aboard and transported down the causeway towards the mainland. They were visibly cold but otherwise uninjured.
Colleagues from Seahouses and Berwick Coastguard Rescue Teams, already waiting at the scene, entered the water in full PPE and used a ResQSled (a specialist flotation device for extracting casualties from water) to assist the casualties ashore. They were then passed into the care of the Northeast Ambulance Service.
RNLI volunteer crew member Chris Leicester said: ‘This is a really positive result from an incredibly dangerous situation. It is our second shout to the causeway in under a week and a stark reminder to all visitors to Holy Island you must check safe crossing times before travelling.’
Seahouses RNLI Tidal Safety AdviceHoly Island Causeway is only safe to cross during published safe crossing times. Attempting to cross outside these windows is extremely dangerous – the tide comes in quickly and can cut off the causeway in minutes.
Always check safe crossing times before travelling
Never attempt to ‘beat’ the tide
If in doubt, don’t risk it
If you see someone in difficulty along the coast, cliffs, or in the water: Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
RNLI Media contacts For more information, please contact Jess Curtis, RNLI and Regional Engagements North and East, Lifeboat Press Officer at Wells: Tel 07483488243 Email: [email protected] contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.