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Floating Bridge Out Of Action Until Next Week Following Inspection

The floating bridge returns to service next week after undergoing its five-yearly safety inspection and heading back to Cowes today.

Photographs show the vessel in a dry dock facility in Falmouth, Cornwall, where the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) carried out a full 'Out of Water Survey' - a legal requirement for all chain ferries. 

Cllr Phil Jordan, Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said:

"I'm pleased to report that the floating bridge has successfully completed its MCA safety inspection.

"We have also taken this opportunity to do some other routine works to the vessel, such as repainting, works to electrical systems and an update to the on-board CCTV.

"Our aim now is to return the ferry to service as swiftly and safely as possible."

The vessel was towed back to the Island this weekend, arriving in Cowes today (4 April).

It will undergo a final inspection by the MCA on Tuesday April 12 with the aim of returning the vessel to service the following day.

A launch service will remain in operation for foot passengers and cyclists until that time.

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