Isle of Wight Floating Bridge runs aground and is out of action

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It comes just a day after it went off for work to its hydraulic ram and days after it had work on its cable.

The chain ferry is stuck on the East Cowes side of the Medina and is suspended.

Isle of Wight Council said: "In order to undertake an inspection of the rams following yesterday’s fault, it has been necessary for the Floating Bridge to remain grounded at East Cowes.

"The service will resume when the tide rises this afternoon."

East Cowes councillor Karl Love says he understands it will be back on when the tide is higher, at around 1:30pm.

Reacting to yesterday's suspension, town councillor Cameron Palin told the County Press: "We cannot afford to keep running this unreliable and infrequent floating bridge.

"The Isle of Wight Council is continuing to waste tax payers' money.

"Whoever takes control of the Isle of Wight Council administration on Wednesday needs to meet with local councillors and engineer to find a feasible solution."

• VIDEO East Cowes diversion 'shakes houses' and blocks roads

**UPDATE at 1.30pm**​

The Floating Bridge is running again, says Isle of Wight Council.

Floating Bridge update, Thursday. In order to undertake an inspection of the rams following yesterday’s fault, it has been necessary for the Floating Bridge to remain grounded at East Cowes. The service will resume when the tide rises this afternoon. #iwnews #flobri

— IOW Council Official (@iwight) May 20, 2021

VIDEO It's stuck on the East Cowes side and it's hope it will re-float at lunchtime. pic.twitter.com/RF03blMNc5

— Isle of Wight County Press (@iwcponline) May 20, 2021

More about the Floating Bridge:

• Isle of Wight floating bridge off for second time this week