Rescue drama captured on camera as vehicle found submerged on Holy Island causeway
Last updated 19th Mar 2026
A photographer has captured the dramatic moment emergency teams were called out to rescue a driver from the roof of their vehicle after it became stranded by the rising tide on the Holy Island causeway.
Seahouses lifeboat was scrambled to the scene after the alarm was raised shortly before 1pm yesterday (Wednesday) - almost 45 minutes after the last safe crossing time.
They were supported by local coastguard teams and a police helicopter.
"Initial reports were of a vehicle cut off by the tide on Holy Island Causeway," a spokesperson for the lifeboat team explained.
"En route updates advised it was a single casualty and due to the height of the tide they were sat on the roof of their vehicle.
"Our crew reached the casualty and took them aboard the D-Class conveying them back towards shore."
The casualty was transferred to a Coastguard rescue sled before being checked over by the North East Ambulance Service.
"Due to the nature of the emergency the Northumbria Police helicopter was also in attendance but, fortunately, was stood down once the casualty was located," they added.
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It was the RNLI's first call-out to the causeway this year and has prompted renewed calls for motorists to check the tide times before setting off.
Beal Farm Campsite, which shared the photographs on its Facebook page, posted: "The Coastguard do an incredible job rescuing people… but many of these emergencies are completely avoidable.
"If you’re visiting Holy Island (Lindisfarne) or anywhere with tidal crossings, you MUST check the tide times before you travel."
Interest in the area has increased after the island, and its causeway, featured in Danny Boyle's hit movie 28 Years Later.
That has led to renewed calls for barriers - or traffic lights - to be installed between the island and the mainland.
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