RNLI rescue two people and a dog stranded after attempting to cross Holy Island causeway

Two people and a dog had to be rescued at Holy Island today after being cut off by the tide.

Shortly after 4pm on Wednesday the RNLI was called to investigate a report of a 4x4 vehicle and two occupants with a dog, cut off while attempting to cross the causeway outside of the safe crossing times.

The occupants of the vehicle were said to be in the Refuge Box at the site when UK Coastguard requested the launch of the Seahouses RNLI Inshore Lifeboat. The Coastguard Teams from Berwick and Holy Island were also mobilised.

Read more: Air ambulance called after man hit by bus in Sunderland city centre

Safe crossing times for Wednesday, January 25 were from 9.05am until 2.55pm and from 9.25pm until 3.40am on Thursday. High Tide at Holy Island was at 5.16pm and RNLI received a request for help at 4.08pm.

At 4.08pm on Wednesday 25^th January 2023, UK Coastguard requested the launch of Seahouses RNLI Inshore Lifeboat to investigate a report of a 4x4 vehicle and two occupants with a dog, cut off while attempting to cross the causeway outside of the safe crossing times. They were reported to be in the Refuge Box. The Coastguard Teams from Berwick and Holy Island were also mobilised.

Seahouses RNLI confirmed that the casualties were landed on the mainland side of the Causeway, where they were handed into the care of Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team, and were given appropriate advice. They did not require any medical assistance. Arrangements would be made later to recover their vehicle once the tide receded.

Seahouses RNLI Press Officer said: "Another vehicle has attempted to cross the Causeway without heeding the safe crossing times. We can only appeal to drivers visiting Holy Island to take note of the signs and safe crossing notices.

"That way you can avoid turning a pleasant and enjoyable visit to Holy Island, into a bad memory with the possible right off of your vehicle. If anyone does get into difficulty, they should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard as soon as possible."

Read next:

• Documentary film charting impact of the historic Shields Ferry gets £50,000 go ahead

• TUI customers' food poisoning 'hell' on New Year holiday at four-star Lanzarote hotel

• The most unusual animal rescues by the RSPCA, including some from the North East

• Stunning new images show how Newcastle's historic Pattern Shop will look

• Bursaries launched to help get North East young people into archaeology on Hadrian's Wall