FLOATING BRIDGE OUT OF ACTION YET AGAIN DUE TO ‘BROKEN CHAIN’

The Cowes Floating Bridge has been pulled from service once again – for the second time in a week – due to what is understood to be a broken chain. It was early last Saturday morning that Floating Bridge No.6 ground to a halt due to an electrical issue. On Monday, the Isle of Wight Council said that the issue related to the vessel’s heat exchanger and that a bespoke part had to be sourced from Plymouth. The Floating Bridge successfully returned to service on Thursday – but has already failed. Island Echo is told that a chain has broken, leaving the floating bridge stuck on the East Cowes side of the River Medina since 11:15. However, no confirmation has been provided with the official website still stating that the service is operational some 45 minutes later. The usual launch service is being put in place for foot passengers and cyclists. It’s unclear at this time if the service will be back up and running for tomorrow’s Round the Island Race. The Floating Bridge is meant to be starting at the earlier time of 04:00 to assist crews in getting to their moorings ahead of the race start at 06:00.