THERE has been a further delay in the return of the Floating Bridge.

The beleaguered vessel was due back into service tomorrow (April 13) subject to a successful MCA inspection.

However, the Isle of Wight Council has today announced it will not return to service on the Cowes to East Cowes route until at least April 23 - another ten days.

And that is only if it gets the go-ahead from the MCA.

Last week, the vessel returned from the first part of its annual safety inspection having passed, but then crashed into the GKN building on arriving home. Windows were smashed in the incident.

Video by Noel Brooks.

This afternoon, an Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said: “The floating bridge will be returning to service on the morning of April 23, which will be subject to the results of the final MCA inspection.

 "In the meantime, a launch service will remain in place for cyclists and pedestrians.” 

The County Press has asked the council for further information about what happend to the second part of the inspection, which was set to take place today (Tuesday).

An IW Council spokesperson said: "The MCA inspection was delayed and has not yet occurred."