Three children found on roof of car after being stranded by rising tide on Holy Island causeway

'The vehicle appeared at risk of being swept away...'

Author: Ally McGilvrayPublished 22nd Aug 2025
Last updated 22nd Aug 2025

The Coastguard is reminding motorists of the dangers of ignoring the safe crossing times on the Holy Island causeway.

It comes after five people had to be rescued after attempting to cross during yesterday's high tide, prompting a multi-agency response.

Three children were found on the roof of the car, which was partially submerged with water over the bonnet - 30 metres from the refuge hut; while two adults clung on to the door frames, with the vehicle at risk of being swept away.

The casualties were fitted with life jackets and taken by rescue sled to the main land, where they were handed into the care of waiting ambulance crews.

The call-out came in around 2.35pm on Thursday - more than two hours after the last safe crossing time.

As well as Coastguard teams from Eyemouth, Berwick, Seahouses, and the Holy Island, Seahouses lifeboat was also launched.

And they were supported by police and ambulance crews.

In April, we reported how motorists were captured ignoring safe crossing times on the Holy Island causeway - just a day after emergency teams were scrambled to the Northumberland beauty spot to rescue four people, whose vehicles were trapped by the rising tide.

It's the latest in a series of rescues at the Northumberland beauty spot, despite efforts to warn drivers not to risk it.

Interest in the area is expected to increase this year after the island, and its causeway, featured in Danny Boyle's latest movie 28 Years Later.

It's prompted renewed calls for barriers - or traffic lights - to be installed between the island and the mainland.

A spokesperson for the Coastguard said: "Holy Island Causeway is only safe to cross during published safe crossing times. Attempting to cross outside these windows is extremely dangerous.

"The tide comes in quickly and can cut off the causeway in minutes, turning a drive into a life-threatening emergency.

"Always check the safe crossing times before travelling. Never attempt to beat the tide. If in doubt – don’t risk it."

For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our new home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.