Coastguard reveals 'language barrier' may have played a part in incident which led to dramatic rescue on Holy Island causeway
Anyone planning to take advantage of the good weather this weekend with a trip to the Holy Island is being urged not to ignore the safe crossing times.
It comes after multiple 999 calls yesterday (Thursday) afternoon alerted the Coastguard to two people chest deep in rising water on the causeway.
Emergency services raced to the roadway - which links the Northumberland beauty spot with the mainland - as soon as the frantic phone calls came in.
The people who were said to be "shouting for help" were believed to have been travelling on a motorcycle and managed to make their way to the refuge hut, where they were rescued.
They were then brought ashore by Berwick Coastguard team using their rescue sled, and the bike was later recovered by its owners when the waters receded, having been swept away.
READ MORE: A1 in Berwickshire to close overnight for repairs to safety barrier
A spokesperson for Berwick Coastguard said: "A Coastguard rescue helicopter was also tasked to this incident, due to the depth of the water and the very real risk of the casualties being swept away - this was stood down as the casualties reached refuge box.
"Thankfully the tourists were unharmed during this incident. We believe the incident occurred due to a language barrier, as they were both visiting from Germany."
If you see anyone in danger on our cliffs, coastline or on the water, ALWAYS dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.