Coastguard called out after reports of seven chest deep in water on Holy Island Pilgrims' Way

Coastguard teams and emergency services were called out to Holy Island after seven people were caught out by the tide at Holy Island.

The group were walking the Pilgrims' Way shortly after 3pm this afternoon, but got into difficulty and were struggling chest deep in the water. Coastguard teams from Berwick and Holy Island were called out to assist, as were Northumbria Police and the North East Ambulance Service.

Thankfully, the group were able to get out of the water safely, with coastguard teams being stood down and returning to their stations. Following the incident, Berwick Coastguard offered some advice to anyone who may wish to cross the Pilgrims' Way.

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They said: "Please remember that the Causeway times on the Northumberland County Council website relate to safe crossing times on the road. When crossing on the Pilgrims Way, always cross on a receding tide (as people did today), and plan to have completed your crossing by the time the tide turns.

"When crossing, be aware that there may still be deep sections of water as the tide goes out. We don't ever recommend entering any pools of water while you cross as you cannot see what is under foot. If you do plan on entering the water to wade, please take a wading pole to check the ground immediately ahead of you."

HM Coastguard have previously encouraged anyone who finds themselves in trouble on the Holy Island Causeway to call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard. Safe crossing times vary daily due to the changing ebb and flow of the tides.

Digital signs on site can help visitors keep up to date with tide times, as well as flash weather warnings in real time. They also display alerts for severe weather or emergency situations.

Motorists can check crossing times online by visiting holyislandcrossingtimes.northumberland.gov.uk. Visitors are advised to leave half an hour extra around these times for their journey, to account for bad weather or unusually high tides.