When News OnTheWight published the Isle of Wight council’s press release earlier today about the Floating Bridge passing its safety inspection and coming back to the Island there were plenty of jokes on social media along the lines of ‘how long until it goes out of service’ etc.
Sadly for Floating Bridge 6 (FB6), which some might believe is cursed, as FB6 arrived at its moorings alongside the seawall in East Cowes this lunchtime (Monday), its newly painted surfaces got scratched and at least two of its windows were shattered.
IWC: Shouldn’t impact return to service date
An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson told News OnTheWight,
“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 is not anticipated that this will impact the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) inspection or return to service date of 13th April 2022.”
Love: FB6 determined to have the last say in everything
Cllr Karl Love, the ward councillor for East Cowes, told News OnTheWight,
“This floating bridge seems determined to have the last say in everything.
“Its paintwork is now all scratched again and there are broken windows.
“Despite our staff’s very best efforts to keep it operational and looking good and floated, something happens at every turn.
“The wind and tide seems to have got the better of it today.
“I hope it won’t prevent it being put back into services
He shared this video of the damage earlier on social media
Justine Edwards shared this video of the bridge returning to the the Island a little bit earlier
Article edit
2.30pm 4th Apr 2022 – Comment from IWC added
12.20pm 5th Apr 2022 – Video by Justine Edwards added
Image: © Karl Love
