UPDATED: The Cowes Floating Bridge service between East and West Cowes has been suspended this afternoon after the vessel ran aground.
A passenger launch is now in operation for foot passengers and cyclists.
A normal service is set to resume at around 22:30 when the aging chain ferry can be refloated with the tide.
UPDATE @ 18:50 – Island Echo reader Martin Wisson has been in touch with photographs of a Southern Vectis bus (damaged in last week’s collision) becoming stuck on tow whilst transferring between car parks ahead of boarding the Red Funnel ferry.
Due to the problems in moving the vehicle, as pictured above, vehicles were unable to unload from the Cowes Floating Bridge meaning the vessel was stationary for an extended period of time whilst the tide was rapidly going out.
It is understood this temporary blockage of the carriageway resulted in the grounding of the chain ferry.
The bus was being towed by a mainland company.
Photograph of the chain ferry thanks to Marie Bird
