Amazon van gets stuck on Britain’s ‘most dangerous’ mudflat path
An Amazon delivery van became stuck on one of Britain's most perilous coastal paths while following GPS directions.
An unusual incident occurred when an Amazon delivery van became stuck on the Broomway, recognized as one of Britain’s most dangerous coastal paths. The driver, relying on GPS guidance, found themselves on this treacherous 600-year-old route, which leads to the military-occupied Foulness Island in the Thames estuary. The coastguard noted that such pathways are notoriously hazardous, as they can only be traversed when the tide is out, making the situation particularly dire for vehicles that venture onto them.
Rescue operations were initiated upon reports of the incident, but by the time they arrived, the driver had reportedly fled to safety, leaving the van abandoned on the mudflats. The Broomway, with a history of fatalities, has claimed many lives among those who miscalculated their timing when crossing. Its graveyard at Foulness also serves as a somber reminder of its deadly reputation, once leading Victorian newspapers to nickname the route 'the Doomway' due to the high risks involved.
The recovery of the van was subsequently handled by Amazon, raising questions about the reliability of GPS systems, particularly in regions known for their tricky navigation. This incident highlights the importance of awareness of local geography and the dangers of ignoring historical warnings about treacherous paths, which can lead to dire consequences for both individuals and companies involved in logistics.