The Cowes Floating Bridge won’t be returning to service as planned tomorrow (Wednesday) but is expected to be operating again on 23rd April.
Council officials have confirmed that the trouble Floating Bridge No.6 will return to service on the morning of Saturday 23rd April – 11 days later than expected.
Over the past few weeks, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has carried out a full ‘Out of Water Survey’ at a dry dock in Falmouth, Cornwall – a legal requirement for all chain ferries. After passing the inspection, the chain ferry returned to Cowes on 4th April, as previously reported by Island Echo.
However, it didn’t take long for things to go wrong with 2 windows becoming smashed when the vessel hit the sea wall.
Things could be delayed even further as the resumption of service is subject to a final MCA inspection.
In the meantime, a launch service will remain in place for cyclists and pedestrians.
Well no surprise there then !!!!!
Don’t hold your breath though !!!!
Could be a long wait…..
Still say the best thing to do is put it and us out of our misery…..
We don’t want to waste any more of our money on the push me pull dung heap !!!!!
Keep the launch service as it’s 100% reliable unlike the gypsy cursed floating bridge aka chain ferry which is 99.9% unreliable..
How can it take 11 days to replace to poxy windows?!
if people don’t use it it will be taken out of action eventually so make your choice
Other than the bridge being complete trash, the service should be run to a prompt timetable. It would improve the service (when it runs) no end.
How is this joke still afloat???
Pathetic. This suppurating running sore has caused so much damage to the local economy and added such a burden on the islands taxpayers it should be scrapped and the service discontinued totally. At least that way we would know where we are. IWC hang your heads in shame.
What year please asking for a friend
How about pushing the Floating Bridge into the middle of the Solent and sinking it?
Could even use a cannon (or two) outside the Royal Yacht Club to help it on it’s way.
Perhaps it’s time to consider a swing bridge in this location instead!
It won’t be affected by tides, strong winds, or broken windows!
Why do you need a window for a 3 minute journey?
Council have gone quiet over bid to get millions back on this costly, useless liability. Any news Mr Jarman?
Don’t forget Councillor Bacon who was involved with the whole FIASCO!!!!!!!!!!
and still no council heads are rolling for the complete diabolical mess!
Not surprised, they are to incompetent to know incompentancy.