UPDATED: The Cowes Floating Bridge has been pulled from service this afternoon (Wednesday) due to an accident involving a member of staff.
Paramedics from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service have been called to the scene at Ferry Road, East Cowes.
It is understood that the Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service have also been called upon to assist, alongside Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 175, Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team.
The Isle of Wight Council say a launch service is being provided for foot passengers whilst the incident is ongoing.
An update will be provided by the Council when the service resumes.
UPDATE @ 13:41 – Coastguard Rescue 175 has landed in the Red Funnel car park adjacent to the Floating Bridge, indicating the severity of the incident. Members of the public have been cleared off the area.
More resources have been requested to assist in the ongoing operation.
UPDATE @ 13:58 – Island Echo understands the injured crew member is below deck.
Rescue teams are working on the best way to extricate the individual. In the meantime positive pressure ventilation is being used to circulate air around the compartment.
The incident is having a knock on effect to Red Funnel’s services and traffic in the area. Those travelling this afternoon should prepare for a level of disruption.
UPDATE @ 14:43 – The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) has landed in East Cowes following a request for specialist doctors and paramedics on scene by the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service.
The team have been transferred to the scene from Jubilee Park thanks to a member of the public and an ambulance officer.
Meanwhile, the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter has taken off from Red Funnel’s marshalling yard.
UPDATE @ 15:15 – Emergency services have now stood down from the incident having successfully rescued the worker from the engine room of the floating bridge.
James Lucy, Group Manager for the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (IWFRS) has said that crews have used specialist rescue equipment to raise the casualty from the confined space.
The male is now being transferred to Southampton General Hospital by the air ambulance.
Hampshire Constabulary have arrived at East Cowes and are said to be involved in the accident investigation.
UPDATE @ 17:00 – The Isle of Wight Council have confirmed that the injured staff member is a 37-year-old man from Newport.
The Floating Bridge is to remain suspended until at least tomorrow lunchtime (Thursday) – read more at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/floating-bridge-out-of-action-until-thursday-lunchtime-following-accident/.
