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Berwick-upon-Tweed RNLI rescue four from rising tide at Holy Island causeway

Lifeboats News Release

H M Coastguard requested the launch of Berwick-upon Tweed lifeboat at 4.49 pm on Monday 21 October 2024. To assist with reports of four casualties and a stranded car on the Holy Island crossing in Northumberland.

Danger alert for people to check safe crossing times to Holy island

RNLI/Hazel Bettison

Danger Alert

The RNLI lifeboat crew, aboard the station's new Atlantic 85 lifeboat the Penny J, made haste to Holy Island arriving at the scene at about 17.30pm.

On arrival H M Coastguard teams were already at the scene. The four casualties fortunately had made their way to the refuge box which is sited on the causeway and provides temporary refuge for anyone caught out with the rising tide. The car was completely submerged in water by the tide.

H M Coastguard had been able to wade out to assess the situation in the refuge box.

A joint decision was made for safe recovery of the casualties that they should all be placed on the Atlantic 85 lifeboat with the assistance of Berwick-upon-Tweed RNLI Crew.

Once nearer land the RNLI Crew safely transferred casualties on to an awaiting H M Coastguard rescue sled which would allow the casualties to get to shore without having to wade in the water to reach the mainland.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Kevin Knox said: ‘Berwick RNLI has recently received a new Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, the Penny J, and it was the first time it had been used on a call out.

'The crew were delighted with how she performed.

'We had previous training with H M Coastguard in how their rescue sled was used and this training was put to good use and proved an excellent example of emergency services working together.’

The lifeboat was washed down on return to Berwick-upon-Tweed RNLI lifeboat station and made ready for service again.

There is clear signage on Holy Island about the dangers of trying to cross when the tide is coming in. Please ready the tide timetable before you go to Holy Island, give yourself plenty of time to get on or off the Island. If the tide is across the causeway then DO NOT attempt to beat the rising tide.

Key facts about the RNLI

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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.RNLI Media contacts

For more information, please contact Hazel Bettison, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: hazel_bettison@rnli.org.uk




Danger Alert what not to do when tide is rising on Holy Island causeway

RNLI/Hazel Bettison

Danger Alert

Key facts about the RNLI

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

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