The RNLI has issued safety advice for those travelling on the Holy Island causeway after a family of five, including three children, were rescued from a vehicle caught in the tide.
RNLI Seahouses Lifeboat Station was called out at 5.05pm on Wednesday, September 30, following reports of a vehicle stranded on the causeway with two adults and three children inside. The vehicle had drifted off the carriageway, and all five remained inside as it became almost fully submerged.
A multi-agency response was triggered, involving the RNLI, HM Coastguard, North East Air Ambulance, police and fire and rescue service. All five people were brought safely back to shore.
Decrease in incidents
Ollie Whelan, lifeboat volunteer crew member at Seahouses Lifeboat Station, said: "Each year we will attend various incidents here at the causeway, whether it be pedestrians cut off by the tide or vehicles that have entered the water and then become stranded."
He added: "Fortunately, in 2026 we have seen a decrease in these numbers and that's due to the incredible work by our water safety team of volunteers and the amazing commitment they've made to reducing these incidents. Over the summer season they've engaged with over a thousand people face-to-face, talking about water safety, our coastline and including the causeway as well."
Emergency advice issued
Holy Island is connected to the mainland via a causeway approximately three miles in length, which is completely submerged at high tide. Reflecting on the incident, Whelan said: "The family's vehicle had become almost fully submerged in the water due to the strength of the tide and was being blown off the main roadway. This triggered a large scale multi-agency response... Fortunately all five people were rescued and brought safely ashore. This could have turned incredibly serious very quickly."
In response, RNLI Seahouses has issued emergency advice: call 999 and ask for the coastguard, giving your location with as much detail as possible and including a landmark where available; if safe to do so, make your way to the refuge hut on the land side of the causeway; if not safe, stay with your vehicle and await rescue; and if you have to enter the water, remember float to live.
Travellers are advised to check tide times on the Northumberland County Council website for safe crossings, leave plenty of time for the journey, and never cross or enter the causeway when there is water on the road. RNLI Seahouses added: "We will never judge anyone that requires rescuing and are committed to our mission of Saving Lives at Sea without fear or favour."
