The Cowes Floating Bridge is now out of action for at least the next 6 weeks to enable a 5-yearly full safety inspection to take place.
The troubled chain ferry has been taken out of service and will now be berthed at Wight Shipyard in East Cowes until it is towed to a dry dock facility in Falmouth.
It’s anticipated that the Floating Bridge will remain suspended until at least 22nd April, but locals are not holding their breathe as dates set in the past have not always been kept.
A passenger launch is available for foot passengers and cyclists.
Councillor Phil Jordan has said:
“We knew this inspection was going to be needed, and to comply with the regulations it cannot be delayed any further.
“Obviously I am disappointed this will mean another break in service for Floating Bridge 6, but I can confirm this planned downtime is nothing to do with the existing issues we have been experiencing on the vessel.
“We will also take advantage of this chance to do some other routine works to the floating bridge, such as repainting, works to electrical systems and an update to the on-board CCTV. This will not extend the time of the inspection, but it will mean the vessel will not need to come out of service for these works at other times in the future.”
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The inspection, carried out by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, is a legal requirement for all passenger ferries.
there should not be a problem with the inspection ? as this wight elephant has been out of action and plague with faults more times than it has been in service ,lets see if it passes the inspection ,i just hope this Council will not fob the ratepayers of with other excuses ?.my case against the EX Counciler Dave Stewart,has now been escalated further. .