The Cowes Floating Bridge remains suspended tonight (Sunday) having been pulled from service more than 5 hours ago due to what has been described as an ‘overheating’ issue.
Floating Bridge No. 6 is currently moored up on the East Cowes side of the River Medina where she has remained since 17:00. Locals are saying that an overheating problem developed with the engine cutting out for over 5 minutes.
The Isle of Wight Council are yet to comment on why the service has been suspended, yet again, but have indicated that the problem isn’t going to be fixed quickly with the Jenny Lee passenger boat expected to come in as a replacement vessel tomorrow morning (Monday).
East Cowes councillor Karl Love has said that ‘we simply cannot continue as we are’ in regards to the floating bridge’s terrible service record and continued disruptive tendencies.
Cllr Love has said:
“I wrote to our IWC political leadership team last week complaining about the reduced monthly timetable and it’s impacts for local communities. So far, the only persons to respond is Andrew Garret, the new Scrutiny Chairman and Lora Peace-Wilcox [chairman of the council].
“I do understand how difficult this whole situation is but we must resolve it positively now. No commercial operation would allow this situation to continue and damage their reputations.
“Send this bridge back now and buy two replacement temporary replacement launches. This is the only solution which I can suggest in order to provide a reliable service until a new replacement bridge can be commissioned.
Article continues below this advertisement “I have requested of our town Mayor that we conduct a joint East/West Cowes Council and business association meeting to discuss the situation. We simply cannot continue as we are”.
UPDATE MONDAY @ 10:35 – The Floating Bridge remains out of service this morning, as engineers inspect the vessel to diagnose what went wrong.
The foot passenger replacement launch is operating throughout the day.
