THESE are the dramatic pictures of the latest incident in which foolish motorists have tried to cross a Northumberland causeway while it is under water.

This picture, captured by the crew of the Seahouses RNLI lifeboat, show a car hired by Australian tourists stuck in three feet of water on the Holy Island causeway.

The incident was the eighth this year where lifeboats have had to rescue motorists stuck in water on the causeway and has led to exasperation from lifeboat crews.

Ian Clayton, Seahouses RNLI lifeboat operations manager, said: “This latest incident, the eighth we have been called to this year, leaves me at a complete loss for words.

“I am seriously concerned that motorists seem to continue to be oblivious about the dangers of driving their cars into the North Sea, apparently completely either disregarding or ignoring all of the safety warning signs.

“If people get into trouble, it is the RNLI and other agencies who have to come to their aid. That is what we do. It is not our role to criticise or pass judgement, that is a matter for the Police and HM Coastguard.”

The couple tried to cross at around 3pm, despite the last safe time being 1.40pm. Their car became stuck in the rising water and the panicked couple collected their belongings, abandoned it and waded to the causeway’s refuge box, raising the alarm.

HM Humber Coastguard requested Seahouses RNLI send its inshore lifeboat at 3.06pm.

The boat launched, arriving at the causeway at 3.38pm, and rescued the couple from the box.