The Floating Bridge service between East and West Cowes is to remain suspended until further notice following an electrical breakdown at the weekend. It was on Saturday morning that the troubled Floating Bridge No.6 was unexpectedly pulled from service – again. 24 hours later, the Isle of Wight Council confirmed than electrical fault was to blame for the suspension of service. No further details have been revealed since. It was originally hoped that the River Medina crossing would be back up and running by midday today (Monday). Now, a notice to mariners issued by the Cowes Harbour Commission states that the Cowes Chain Ferry will remain out of service to undergo repairs ‘until further notice’, suggesting an extended period of downtime. A foot passenger service is in operation. UPDATE @ 21:25 – The Isle of Wight Council has confirmed that a fault with the vessel’s heat exchanger has been identified as the problem. It follows an inspection by contractors this morning. As the part is bespoke, and can only be obtained via a supplier in Plymouth, the service remains suspended. The delivery is due within the next 48 hours, with a view to the Floating Bridge service resuming towards the end of the week – once the part has arrived and has been fitted. The council says that whilst out of service, routine maintenance will be undertaken which will reduce work needed in the future. A spokesperson for the local authority says:
“The Isle of Wight Council apologises for any inconvenience. A replacement launch service will continue to operate for pedestrians and cyclists.”
