Amazon Delivery Van Misguided by GPS Gets Stuck on British Military Firing Range
GREAT WAKERING, England — An Amazon delivery van found itself stranded on a treacherous mudflat used as a Ministry of Defense firing range after following GPS directions that led it astray. The incident occurred on Sunday morning when the driver attempted to reach Foulness Island but instead was guided onto The Broomway, a 600-year-old, six-mile walking path extending into the Thames Estuary.
The Broomway is notorious for its dangerous terrain and is not intended for vehicular traffic. HM Coastguard Southend on Sea responded promptly after being alerted to the situation. According to the Coastguard, the path is “extremely dangerous” and restricted to foot traffic only, typically accessible when the Ministry of Defense firing ranges are inactive and barriers are open.
“The Broomway route is not for vehicles and should only be walked on with a guide who knows the mud flats,” the Coastguard emphasized on social media. The Amazon driver, fortunately, was able to exit the van safely and notify the company of the mishap. Crews worked to extract the vehicle from the mudflats later that day.
This episode highlights the challenges of relying solely on GPS navigation in rural and restricted areas. The Ministry of Defense controls the land surrounding The Broomway and maintains strict access protocols to ensure public safety and operational security. The Ministry’s website provides detailed information on the use of firing ranges and access restrictions to prevent such incidents.
HM Coastguard, responsible for maritime and coastal safety, frequently issues warnings about the perilous nature of The Broomway, which has claimed lives in the past due to rapidly incoming tides and unstable mud. Their official site offers guidance on navigating coastal paths safely.
Amazon, while not commenting directly on this incident, has protocols in place to assist drivers who encounter difficulties during deliveries. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of cross-checking navigation routes, especially in sensitive or hazardous areas.
For more on the Ministry of Defense’s firing range regulations, visit gov.uk Ministry of Defense. Safety advice for coastal areas can be found at HM Coastguard. To understand GPS navigation limitations, the Federal Aviation Administration offers resources on navigation safety, relevant even outside the U.S. Finally, Amazon’s corporate responsibility and delivery safety policies are outlined at aboutamazon.com.
While no injuries were reported, the incident underscores the need for caution when traveling near military zones and natural hazards. Authorities continue to remind the public that The Broomway, despite its historic allure, demands respect and careful planning before attempting to traverse it.
Leave a Reply