A final inspection by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has been booked in to confirm the floating bridge is fit to return to service after a period of repairs and modifications to the prows and ramps.
The vessel is expected to start work again at 0500 on the morning of Monday, 20th December.
Final works to make the floating bridge ready for its return to regular service carrying foot passengers and vehicles between Cowes and East Cowes are now underway.
Training for all floating bridge staff is required and will be conducted next week (13th-17th December).
Because of this, the vessel will be seen making crossings before full service is resumed, and in the meantime, the passenger launch will continue to be available during scheduled hours.
Cllr Phil Jordan said,
“I am glad that the final MCA inspection is coming up, which we expect to confirm that the floating bridge is ready to return to work.
“People in the area will see the vessel making trial crossings and operating the prows as we undertake refresher training with the staff and run through changes to operational systems.
“We’re wasting no time to get the training and other essential works done, so the service can start up again next Monday 20th.
“We had hoped to have the floating bridge back in service this week, but because of delays in delivering some parts, the MCA inspection was in turn delayed which means we’ll be returning the vessel to work a week later than anticipated.”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: © With kind permission of Allan Marsh
