UPDATED: The Cowes Floating Bridge has been pulled out of service once again, just hours after restarting operations following a 3-week suspension.
Passengers are now being forced to use the passenger launch to cross the River Medina between Cowes and East Cowes, whilst motorists are facing the now regular 10-mile diversion via Newport. That diversion has been made longer with the closure of Fairlee Road in a northbound direction due to the Isle of Wight Festival.
Several Island Echo readers have been in touch to suggest the floating bridge has run aground.
Floating Bridge No. 6 only re-entered service this morning (Wednesday) after the MCA forced the Council to suspend operations.
Island Echo has asked the Isle of Wight Council for a reason for this afternoon’s suspension.
UPDATE @ 15:32 – A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council has said:
“The floating bridge is currently grounded at East Cowes. There is nothing mechanically wrong with the floating bridge, it will refloat as the tide returns around 7pm this evening.
“While the crews continue to get used to the dimensions of the new bridge, and when tides turn rapidly, this is a known and normal operational risk.
Article continues below this advertisement “A passenger launch will shortly be in operation to ensure that people can continue to cross the river this evening”.
UPDATE @ 20:40 – The Cowes Floating Bridge has now resumed a normal service having re-floated on the tide. However, vehicles are said to still be scraping when embarking and disembarking from the vessel.
