HM Coastguard said the vehicle will be removed later today after it attempted to drive down Britain's deadliest path to an Essex island
An Amazon delivery van has been abandoned on 'Britain's deadliest path' after following a GPS route to Foulness Island. The vehicle, which has the distinctive Amazon appearance, was pictured stuck on mudflats on the Essex coast.
HM Coastguard Southend were called to the scene following reports of the incident, and the vehicle is expected to be removed on Sunday afternoon (February 15). Amazon UK have been approached for a comment.
The Coastguard claim the vehicle had driven via Wakering Stairs onto The Broomway, which is a 600-year-old six-mile path into the Thames Estuary. The vehicle and its occupants reportedly followed a GPS route to reach Foulness Island.
The Broomway is notoriously known as being one of the most treacherous paths, and it is thought to be 'the most dangerous walk in Britain'. It has reportedly been responsible for more than 100 drownings.
Foulness Island was, for many years, controlled by the military and used as a munitions proving ground. The Ministry of Defence owns the land, but access is controlled through QinetiQ.
The correct route onto Foulness Island is via the left barrier via QinetiQ's security office. The Broomway route is not suitable for vehicles and should only be walked on with a guide who knows the mud flats. It is an extremely dangerous area on MOD property, accessible only when the firing ranges are not active and the barrier is open.
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard Southend said: "HM Coastguard Southend DSO (Deputy Station Officer) spoke to the QinetiQ security office who confirmed they were aware of the van and that the passenger and driver had driven on to the mudflats yesterday evening. The delivery driver had removed themselves from the van and reported the incident to Amazon. Amazon have arranged with a local farmer to extract the vehicle this afternoon.
"HM Coastguard's primary concern was for the safety of the occupants and any possible pollution. With the occupants confirmed to be safe and the vehicle to be removed later today, Coastguard Officers were stood down."