An Amazon delivery vehicle was abandoned off the Essex coast after the driver followed satellite navigation directions that led onto the Broomway, a historic and notoriously hazardous tidal route, before becoming stranded in the water near Foulness Island. The incident occurred on Sunday, February 15, prompting a response from HMS Coastguard Southend after reports that a van had become lodged in the sea.

Rescue personnel arriving at the scene found that the driver had already left the vehicle. No injuries were reported, but the situation highlighted the significant dangers associated with the Broomway, a 600-year-old pathway across mudflats that is widely regarded as one of Britain’s most treacherous walking routes. The path is submerged at high tide, lacks clear markings, and has been linked to numerous fatalities over the years, earning its reputation as the “deadliest footpath in Britain.”

Authorities emphasized that the Broomway is not suitable for vehicles and should only be traversed on foot with an experienced guide familiar with the rapidly changing tidal conditions and unstable terrain. The combination of soft mud, fast-moving water, and poor visibility creates a high-risk environment for anyone attempting to cross without proper knowledge and timing.

Amazon confirmed that arrangements were made to remove the stranded van from what officials described as an “extremely dangerous area.” The incident underscores the limitations of GPS navigation when used without situational awareness, particularly in remote or tidal zones where mapped routes may not account for environmental hazards or access restrictions.

Local coastguard teams reiterated safety guidance for both residents and delivery operators, stressing the importance of verifying routes in coastal and rural areas and avoiding reliance solely on digital navigation tools. The event serves as a cautionary example of how modern technology, while generally reliable, can direct users into hazardous locations when geographic and environmental factors are not fully considered.