Passengers on board the Cowes Floating Bridge have reported it losing power and unable to dock in East Cowes.

An eyewitness said the packed chain ferry had lost power and stopped mid crossing.

They said there were a lot of schoolchildren on board.

Scroll down to see the stricken floating bridge. 

Eyewitness County Press digital editor Lucy Morgan said: "The vessel is not moving and they are attempting to restart the engine.

"There are 15 cars, two vans and about 20 pedestrians including school pupils on board."

She said traffic tailbacks were happening on both sides of the river.

The Isle of Wight Council has been approached for a statement.

Update: The vessel has now returned to Cowes and an engineer is being called out.

Update: The vessel is up and running again and has reached East Cowes.