Dramatic images highlight dangers of ignoring Holy Island crossing times
Last updated 17th Aug 2026
Dramatic images have emerged of a car partially submerged on the Holy Island causeway after being stranded by the incoming tide.
The images were taken by local kayaker Karl Wait, who was paddling with friends on Sunday evening when they came across the vehicle.
The group - part of Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team - returned to the mainland to put on their water-rescue equipment.
The three men from the motor, who had sought safety inside the refuge box, were described as being in good spirits.
They told the paddlers they had spoken to the Coastguard and had been instructed to remain there until the tide had dropped enough for them to leave safely.
"When we arrived we were rather surprised to see so many cars still on the causeway with the water quickly covering the road," Mr Wait recalled.
"We returned to them 45 minutes later and got out our kayaks and (the men) asked us to look in the car to see if any water had got into their car and, not surprisingly, it had - with a good few inches in the footwell."
It's the latest in a series of incidents on the causeway - with two children among a group of four people having to be rescued at the Northumberland beauty spot in May.
The dramatic images have prompted renewed calls for anyone ignoring the safe crossing times to face tougher penalties.
One commenter wrote: "Charge for the rescue, as it's written all over warning people of tide times.“
Another added: "Happy until they realised that their car is a write-off and would be a rust bucket within a month. Good effort though."
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