Amazon Driver Abandoned After GPS Misdirects to Deadly Essex Path
An Amazon delivery driver found themselves in a perilous situation after their GPS navigation system led them onto what is widely regarded as one of the United Kingdom's most dangerous routes. The incident occurred on Saturday night when the driver, attempting to reach Foulness Island in Essex, was directed onto The Broomway, a six-mile-long historic walking path that dates back over 600 years.
Stranded on a Treacherous Route
The driver's van became stranded on The Broomway, a path that is only safely passable during very low tides and is notorious for quickly flooding as tides change. The route snakes through an active Army firing range, adding to its hazards. A spokesman for HM Coastguard Southend emphasized the extreme dangers of the area, stating that it should only be traversed with a knowledgeable guide familiar with the mud flats.
'It is an extremely dangerous area and is on MOD property, only accessible when the firing ranges are not active and the barrier is open,' the coastguard spokesman explained. The coastguard confirmed that they had spoken with a Qinetiq security officer, who reported that the incident took place on Saturday evening. The driver had removed themselves from the van and reported the situation to Amazon.
Why The Broomway Is So Hazardous
The Broomway presents multiple life-threatening risks:
- Tide Dependency: Walkers must precisely time their crossing using tide tables. A miscalculation can lead to the sea silently cutting off escape routes within minutes.
- Poor Visibility: Historically marked by broom branches stuck in the mud—hence its name—the path is now navigated by distant marker posts that are difficult to see in mist or poor weather conditions.
- Hazardous Mud: Sections of the route cross deep, sticky mud capable of trapping individuals, resulting in numerous rescues and fatalities over the years.
- Restricted Access: The path leads to Foulness Island, which is largely controlled by the UK Ministry of Defence as a weapons testing area, with public access strictly limited and regulated.
Rescue and Investigation
Following the incident, a local farmer assisted in removing the vehicle on Sunday. Coastguard officers were stood down after confirming that the van's occupants were safe and that the vehicle was scheduled for removal. Amazon has acknowledged the situation, stating that they are 'aware' of the incident and are 'investigating' the circumstances that led to the driver being misdirected onto such a hazardous route.
This event underscores the critical importance of verifying navigation routes, especially in remote or restricted areas, and highlights the ongoing challenges posed by reliance on GPS technology in unfamiliar terrains.
