(Image: RNLI Seahouses Lifeboat Station)
A family of five, including three children, was rescued after their vehicle became stranded on a tidal causeway.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 30, on the Holy Island Causeway in Northumberland.
It prompted a major emergency response involving lifeboat crews, coastguard teams, and a rescue helicopter.
(Image: RNLI Seahouses Lifeboat Station)
RNLI Seahouses Lifeboat Station was alerted at 5.05pm and launched a D-Class inshore lifeboat within minutes of being tasked by Humber Coastguard.
A spokesperson for RNLI Seahouses Lifeboat Station said: "Our crew were tasked by Humber Coastguard to launch immediately on service following reports of a vehicle stranded on the Holy Island Causeway, with 2 adults and 3 children believed to be inside.
"Within minutes, our RNLI D-Class Inshore Lifeboat was launched and making best speed towards the last reported position.
"As further information came through, we were advised that all five people remained inside the vehicle – however, the vehicle had drifted off the carriageway."
The situation quickly escalated into a multi-agency response, including Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 189, Seahouses Coastguard Rescue Team, Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team, Holy Island Coastguard, the North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, and Northumbria Police.
All five occupants were safely rescued and brought back to shore.
The RNLI is urging people to pay close attention to safe crossing times on the causeway.
A spokesperson said: "But this incident is another stark reminder of just how quickly the tide can turn on the Holy Island Causeway.
"The causeway is tidal.
"The safe crossing times are there for a reason.
"Please check the official safe crossing times before travelling, allow plenty of time, and NEVER attempt to cross when water is covering the road."
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"The tide can rise rapidly and conditions can change quickly.
"This was a vehicle carrying three children.
"What could have been a family journey home could have had a very different outcome."