An Amazon delivery van had to be recovered from one of Britain's most treacherous coastal routes after its driver followed a GPS signal onto the mudflats of The Broomway. HM Coastguard Southend stated: "called out this morning to reports that an Amazon Delivery Van had driven via Wakering Stairs onto The Broomway", a 600-year-old six-mile walking path stretching into the Thames Estuary towards Foulness Island.

The historic route, near Great Wakering in Essex, has long been regarded as one of the most dangerous footpaths in the country. According to parish records, about 100 people are believed to have died there, with the last recorded fatality in 1919. In a statement, the coastguard stressed: "The Broomway route is not for vehicles and should only be walked on with a guide who knows the mud flats."

It warned the area is "an extremely dangerous area" on Ministry of Defence land, "only free to access when the firing ranges are not active and barrier is open".

The van is understood to have been attempting to reach Foulness Island after following satellite navigation directions.

The statement added: "The correct route onto Foulness Island is via the left barrier via Qinetiq security office,"

Coastguard officers contacted the Qinetiq security office, which manages access to the MOD ranges. The statement said: "HM Coastguard Southend DSO 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,"

By the time emergency services were alerted, the driver had already exited the vehicle. The coastguard confirmed: "The delivery driver had removed themselves from the van and reported the incident to Amazon."

The vehicle had remained stranded on the sands, an area prone to rapidly rising tides and shifting mud.

The statement said: "HM Coastguard's primary concern was for the safety of the occupants and any possible pollution," With the occupants confirmed safe and recovery arrangements in place, "Coastguard Officers were stood down."

Amazon arranged for a local farmer to extract the vehicle. In an update issued at 15:30, HM Coastguard said: "Amazon vehicle has now been recovered."

The coastguard reiterated its wider safety message, urging the public: "Should you see anyone in trouble on or near the coast, don't hesitate to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard, you could save someone's life."