Cowes Floating Bridge: Ferry hits wall on return to island

A problem-plagued chain ferry has experienced more issues as it returned following a safety inspection.

The Cowes Floating Bridge on the Isle of Wight has been out of action since 7 March for its five-yearly check by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in Falmouth.

As it was towed back to the island, it hit the sea wall in East Cowes, causing damage to the windows.

Isle of Wight Council was aiming to have it running again on 13 April.

East Cowes councillor Karl Love said: "Our floating bridge returned in its usual spectacular way, causing headlines as it crashes slap, bang, wallop, accidentally into the wall.

"Accidents do happen, but this floating bridge just seems to have a mind of its own. It's as though it just does not want to be here without making a statement.

"It is very windy out there today and I know staff will have done their best. It seems the wind and tide have got the better of them today", he added.

Isle of Wight Council said: "Whilst manoeuvring the vessel into its temporary berth it made contact with the GKN wall; two windows were broken.

"These are on the south side of the vessel and will be boarded up tomorrow."

It added that it would not affect a planned further MCA inspection or the return to service date of 13 April.

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