A MIDDLE-AGED couple were winched to safety from rising tidewater when they tried to cross Holy Island causeway an incredible 90 minutes after the tide deadline.
The Cumbrian couple, trying to leave the island, got to within half a mile of shore before becoming stranded in the rapidly rising water. A Sea King helicopter from RAF Boulmer was called in to carry out an emergency airlift.
The male driver, known to have a heart condition, was treated on shore by an emergency ambulance which raced to the scene from Seahouses.
Both occupants, shaken but unhurt, were given the all-clear but their Astra car was badly damaged and may be a write-off.
Seahouses RNLI operations manager Ian Clayton said: “The Seahouses coastguards were on a training exercise at the Farnes and were able to get to the scene quickly, while we launched our inflatable.
“The couple got their car to the bridge on a high spot of the causeway near the refuge hut, which helped the situation, though one of them had a heart condition which made things more urgent.
“Both were winched from the causeway to safety and checked over by ambulance staff. Thankfully, neither was seriously injured.”
The rescue was the 15th on Holy Island causeway so far this year and the tenth the Seahouses lifeboat has been called out to.
And Mr Clayton said: “It keeps happening and happening – but it’s totally preventable.
“If people get into difficulties, it’s our job to go out and rescue them, but words just fail me.
“The whole subject has been talked to death and despite all the media coverage people just seem to be oblivious to the dangers.
“These incidents seem to be getting more and more prolific – they seem to be driving across with blinkers on.
“Even a quarter of an inch of salt water can ruin the wheels of a car, and if the water gets in through the vehicle’s air intake, then it’s totally ruined.”
The last safe crossing time on Saturday afternoon was 13.15, but Humber Coastguards received the first distress call at 14.45.
Safe crossing times are posted at both ends of the causeway but Mr Clayton added: “The County Council were going to put up a ‘smart sign’, but nothing has happened.
“We’ve emailed them asking to know what’s happening, but have heard nothing more. Now we’re fearing it’s been shelved because of the costs.”
