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Seahouses inshore lifeboat called to three people in the water at Pilgrims Way

Lifeboats News Release

At 1:39pm on Tuesday 15 August 2023, Seahouses inshore lifeboat was tasked by the Coastguard, to go to the assistance of three people attempting to cross the Pilgrims Way at Holy Island.

Pilgrims Way, Holy Island, at low tide

RNLI/Ian Clayton

Pilgrims Way, Holy Island, at low tide
This is a foot track across the sand connecting Holy Island with the mainland. Local Coastguard Rescue Teams were also tasked. The group were reported to be wading waist deep through the water. High tide at Holy island was 3:33pm, and the safe vehicle crossing time for the Causeway were 6:10am till 1:30pm, and unsafe from 1:30pm till 6:30pm. The tide can rise quite quickly and catch out the unwary.

The inshore lifeboat launched and made best speed to Holy Island. While on passage, the lifeboat was cancelled by the Coastguard, as the walkers were now safe. The lifeboat then returned to station.

Seahouses RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Ian Clayton commented: 'We ask walkers on the Pilgrims Way to heed the safe crossing times, as the tide can be an equal risk to them as it can be to motorists on the Causeway itself, due to deep water and strong currents.'

RNLI Media contacts
For more information, please contact Ian Clayton, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]
Pilgrims Way, Holy Island, at low tide

RNLI/Ian Clayton

Pilgrims Way, Holy Island, at low tide

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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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