Rescued visitors to Holy Island say safe passage times were incorrect

Tourists who became stranded on the tidal causeway say published safe crossing times were incorrect.

Dita Sanchez, her husband Jesus Sanchez Lopez and two friends abandoned their car on their way back from Holy Island in Northumberland on Monday and they were rescued by Berwick RNLI.

HM Coastguard confirmed it received reports of a stranded car at 4pm BST, the time when the safe crossing was completed.

Holy Island Harbor Master Paul Douglas said: “Weather conditions do affect the timing of high tides and in this case the water was on the causeway at least 45 minutes ahead of expected.” Northumberland County Council has urged people to “take appropriate precautions” when planning their journey.

The group took a day trip from Edinburgh to Holy Island.

“When we got back to the parking lot it was about 3:30 p.m. and it was completely empty, but we were still within safe driving times, so I wasn’t too worried,” Ms. Sanchez said.

“We left the island and got to the causeway and suddenly the car stopped working, it just wouldn’t start.

“We panicked trying to start the car, water was rushing in from all sides quickly. We realized we were going to have to jump into the water, which was already knee-deep, and I panicked and forgot I could call 999.”

The group made their way to the shelter and contacted emergency services via the landline there.

Ms Sanchez said two coastguards arrived after about half an hour. They waded through the water, which was “quite deep, up to their waists.”

“They gave us life jackets, they were like angels, so nice,” she added.

The car, a Mercedes C-Class, was almost completely submerged.

The group was then transported with two coastguards to the mainland by Berwick RNLI.

Ms Sanchez said they were “extremely grateful” to their rescuers and admired them for what they did.

“But we didn’t just ignore safe border crossing times,” she said. “We checked.”

Douglas, who is a fisherman and harbor master, said locals know that safe crossing times are not always accurate.

“There was a storm on Sunday that could change the tides,” he said.

“It arrived really quickly. My house overlooks the causeway and at 3:20 p.m., well before the safe crossing time, there was water on it.”

“I have saved hundreds of people from the embankment, people make mistakes, it’s just an accident,” he added.

In a statement, Northumberland County Council said: “Public safety is our top priority and the council continues to provide clear guidance on crossing the Holy Island Causeway and high tide times.

“While we cannot comment on the potential impact of exceptional weather events on tide times, we strongly urge the public to stay informed and take appropriate precautions when planning their travel.”