UPDATED: The Cowes Floating Bridge service has been suspended this evening (Friday) following an incident on board in which a member of staff has been pinned against the vessel’s gates by a car.
Police, ambulance crews and the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service were called to the East Cowes terminal at just before 18:55 after a car is reported to have accelerated onto the chain ferry and collided with the gates at the other end, trapping a man.
One casualty has been rushed to St Mary’s Hospital in a serious condition. Meanwhile the driver of the vehicle, an elderly male, has left the scene with Police.
Eye witnesses have been interviewed by officers in the nearby East Cowes neighbourhood policing office.
The floating bridge has now been cordoned off as an investigation into the circumstances of the collision gets underway. It is anticipated that the Cowes to East Cowes service will remain suspended for the remainder of the night and possibly into tomorrow morning.
UPDATE @ 21:00 – Eye witnesses have told Island Echo how the vehicle, a Subaru, sped onto the chain ferry before colliding with a blue safety gate at the other end and into the staff member, who became pinned up against the vessel’s ramp.
Boats passing by on the River Medina are said to have thrown first aid boxes and oxygen to those assisting the casualty before members of the public pulled the vehicle off the gentlemen.
Police remain on the scene and are understood to be awaiting further resources.
A foot passenger only launch service is in operation from the usual mooring with the Jenny Lee boat.
UPDATE @ 21:50 – Officers from the mainland-based Collision Investigation Unit (CIU) have arrived at the scene in East Cowes to conduct a full examination of the scene.
The CIU investigate life-threatening; life-changing and fatal collisions.
UPDATE @ 22:30 – The Isle of Wight Council have confirmed the passenger launch service will remain in operation until midnight.
The Floating Bridge is awaiting assessment of any damage caused with further updates on the vital link service expected tomorrow morning (Saturday).
UPDATE @ 23:35 – It has been confirmed that a passenger launch service will continue tomorrow morning from 07:00 and throughout the day, with a limited service between the hours of 18:00 and 19:00.
UPDATE SATURDAY @ 13:40 – Hampshire Constabulary are yet to comment on the incident.
A passenger launch service is in operation however there are significant queues.
UPDATE SATURDAY @ 17:50 – A normal floating bridge service will resume from 06:30 tomorrow (Sunday). Larger capacity water taxis remain in operation until midnight tonight.
In a statement issued this evening, the Isle of Wight Council have said:
“Following overnight works (Friday) to repair the floating bridge gates, inspections of the prow mechanism and dialogue with the Marine Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Marine Accident Investigation Unit today (Saturday), the council will be restarting floating bridge services between Cowes and East Cowes from 6.30am on Sunday (9 August).
“Water taxi foot passenger services remain in place until midnight tonight (Saturday), but are now running at greater capacity.
“We apologise for any inconvenience while we work hard to bring the floating bridge back into service. The public’s safety is obviously our utmost concern, while we also understand the necessity of this service, especially during Cowes Week. Thank you to everyone for their understanding following the accident on Friday night.
“Our thoughts remain with the individual who was injured in the incident, and his family, at this time”.
UPDATE MONDAY @ 11:00 – Hampshire Constabulary have issued a statement following Friday’s incident, confirming that an 80-year-old male is assisting Police with their investigation.
The member of staff injured in the incident is now said to be in a stable condition in hospital having suffered serious injuries.
Anybody with any information are urged to contact Sergant Dave Sanderson, Eastern JOU on 101 quoting Operation Kindle.
