A yacht has collided with the front of the Cowes Floating Bridge on the River Medina this morning (Thursday).
It’s understood the boat came into contact with the chain ferry as it passed in close proximity, clearly misjudging the available space and becoming snagged on the bow.
The floating bridge – which has right of way – was crossing the Medina from East Cowes to Cowes at the time of the collision.
Cowes Harbour Master has now successfully pulled the casualty yacht clear, allowing the floating bridge to continue on its journey.
All passenger and vehicles have successfully disembarked at Cowes.
Left hand down a bit.
Where’s Nuncky with his tug? Probably will need a new hum-grummet
…. Mr Povey
The Floating bridge is jinxed, scrap the Fcuker
The boat didn’t have right of way!
Will probably say it was damaged after all and will now be out of action AGAIN!!!
Most probably thought it wasn’t moving like previously. Expect they were in shock just like we were
Isn’t it Power gives way to sail ?? But only the floating farce with its high tech computer guidance system could collide with another vessel in a channel less than 75ft wide designed by fools, owned and managed by fools and operated by !!!!!! You fill in your own thought Would never chose to use this waste of money
As a fundamental Power does give way to sail. However, there are exceptions such as commercial activity or military clause. Commerical shipping/vessels and vessels constrained by draught and maneuverability (escpially when operating in channels) have right of passage over other vessels, even sail and paddle. Bylaws also can override these. Under the CHC the chain ferry has right of way. Not only due to the bylaw but she is also constained by her maneuverability. This was NOT the chain ferrys fault. They would have also blasted 5 sound signals to tell the yacht to get out of the way. Not only that, there are visual flighing aids to signal motion of the vessel. This is totally the yachts fault.
So will the yacht captain/owner get banned for dangerous driving ? Some would give him a brownie point for trying to destroy/sink the FB.
That depends on what the Maritime agency want to do and CHC. They could issue a fine to the skipper for ‘not keeping a proper lookout’ but that would only be done by the courts. It doesn’t warren a ban unfortunately.
change the record!!
Look at the picture…..what sails?
If you put your glasses on you will see the yachtie was motoring duh.
The FB didn’t hit the boat – it has right of way!
That’s an uncle Albert job
Omg the Floatie was moving,that’s a shocker
That’s what surprised me most too on reading this article!
As the Floating Bridge had been stationary for many weeks there is always the possibility the yachtsman didn’t expect it to move.
The skipper of the yacht wasn’t driving a red VW polo between Ryde and Sandown earlier this morning by any chance were they?
He will enjoy his day in court when the MAIB get involved, look forward to what he has to say when he sees the size of the fine!
MAIB don’t take people to court – They only investigate for safety, don’t do blame or liability. Its a floating bridge so it’ll be the HSE if anyone. Probably doesn’t meet the threshold for action though.
as bad as the island drivers
Is this the latest wonderful idea to keep the non floating bridge shut for ever
Who was at the helm Captain Pugwash
hit the most expensive ferry in the world !!!!!!!!
No sail because your supposed to be under engine power on the river I think
probably a driver of the ferry not looking or allowing enough time for clearance , all down to experience and some of the drivers ,,, so to speak haven’t been on that ferry 5 minutes and think there captain Blythe
How could you not see it? it’s a great big, expensive floating turd that takes up almost half of the bloody river.
That “capitan” needs glasses, or a breathalyser, or a ban from the water.