A software issue, which caused Floating Bridge 6 to be out of action for a month, cost the Isle of Wight council more than £100,000 in repairs and lost income.
The Cowes to East Cowes chain ferry was grounded between 16th July and 15th August and the software needed a technical specialist to carry out repairs.
During the height of the summer holidays
It meant the River Medina crossing was out during the height of the summer holidays and during Cowes Week, replaced by a smaller foot passenger launch.
An Isle of Wight council spokesperson said the total cost was £112,000, including loss of fares.
Manual hard switch system installed
Contractors installed a manual hard switch system which replicated the essential aspects of the failed software system and needed the approval of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency before it could be on the water again.
The council also did ‘preventative’ maintenance works which the council hopes will reduce further downtime in the future.
Review underway
A review is currently being carried out on the vessel, costing the council £47,520, focusing on Floating Bridge 6’s last ‘two remaining issues’ and ways the authority could fix them.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
