Vandalism of Holy Island crossing times sign condemned after five people rescued from flooded vehicles

Electronic tide table signs on Holy Island causeway.

The electronic sign on the Lindisfarne side of the causeway was damaged and its electronics tampered with.

The vandalism became apparent after a site inspection by an engineer on Sunday, March 8, after two vehicles got stranded by the incoming tide.

It was discovered the security padlock on the sign had been damaged and the electronics tampered with, which in turn had caused an issue with the electrics inside, causing the sign to reset.

As a result, it was displaying inaccurate safe crossing times.

The sign was switched off and is due to be back on on Monday, March 9.

Northumberland County Council is now looking into what improvements can be made with the signage so that this issue does not occur in the future.

The council is reminding drivers to adhere to safe crossing times, although it makes it clear that there is already a range of clearly displayed warning signs at both sides of the causeway reminding all drivers not to attempt the crossing if there is water on the road.

Coun Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for local services, said: “I’m extremely angry about this deliberate act of mindless vandalism which has caused these very unfortunate incidents and I hope that those responsible for the damage think about the lives they put at risk due to their stupidity.

“The dangers of attempting to cross Holy Island causeway when the tide is coming in are obvious and we urge all drivers to check tide tables online for safe crossing times when planning their visit and to make sure they observe these safe times when crossing the causeway.”

The latest causeway incident happened around 12.20pm on Sunday.

There were two adults, a three-year-old child, a Dobermann dog – and a wedding dress – in one of the vehicles. The sea water was breaking over their windows but they were assisted by Coastguard officers and safely taken to shore by Seahouses inshore lifeboat.

A second vehicle, belonging to an elderly couple, also got stuck and they were also taken to safety.