Amazon delivery van stranded on Essex mudflats after GPS route error
An Amazon delivery van became stranded on the Broomway, a treacherous 600-year-old walking path across Essex mudflats, after the driver followed GPS directions intended for Foulness Island. The driver safely exited the vehicle and Amazon arranged for its recovery with help from a local farmer.
What happened
An Amazon delivery van drove onto the Broomway, a six-mile walking path across mudflats in Great Wakering, Essex, on Saturday evening after the driver was following GPS directions to Foulness Island.
HM Coastguard Southend was called out on Sunday morning to reports of the vehicle on the Broomway. The driver had safely exited the vehicle and reported the incident to Amazon.
Reported impact
The driver was safely removed from the vehicle. Amazon arranged for recovery of the van with assistance from a nearby farmer on Sunday.
Index analysis
The Broomway is a 600-year-old route described as the 'deadliest footpath in Britain', with over 100 deaths recorded in parish records. The path crosses flat sands and is home to a Ministry of Defence firing range, and is said to require caution and specialist knowledge to navigate safely.
Qinetiq, which manages the firing range, describes the Broomway as 'not suitable for vehicles' and advises that people only traverse it accompanied by a guide who knows the mudflats. Essex Highways manages the route.
Governance controls
Amazon said it was 'aware' of the situation and was 'investigating'.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.