Five people including four children rescued from rising tide on Holy Island causeway as Coastguard issue stark warning

Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team and Seahouses Lifeboat were launched to rescue the stricken group at 2.01am on Friday, November 25.

A statement from Berwick Coastguard said: “Once we arrived at the scene, the team established that one adult and four children had safely made it to the refuge box and the tide was now level with the windscreen of their car.

"The lifeboat crew checked the casualties over. Although damp and cold, they did not require medical assistance and were transferred via lifeboat to our team who had waded out with a Rescue Sled. From there the five occupants were brought back to dry land to be warmed up.”

The Coastguard stressed the rescue serves as a clear reminder of the need to adhere to the safe crossing times.

The statement added: “We cannot emphasise enough the danger of crossing the causeway outside of the published safe crossing times. The tide floods very quickly, and although it may look safe as you begin to cross, you will quickly find yourself in trouble. If you miss the safe crossing times, enjoy the hospitality of Holy Island for a few more hours - it is not worth the risk for a few hours.”

Anyone who sees someone in danger on the coastline is urged to call 999.