Bumpy start for Cowes floating bridge as service suspended

Passengers were helped off the Cowes Floating Bridge this morning after it broke down, just a day after returning to service.

The much-anticipated chain ferry, which helps motorists avoid an 11 mile diversion, re-opened on Saturday but was immediately beset with problems after a number of vehicles scraped their bumpers on the slipway.

Cllr Karl Love took to social media to voice his concerns about what he called a 'loading calamity,' posting these pictures of motorists trying to use the bridge.

And Isle of Wight Radio captured the moment passengers had to wade through the River Medina after a power outage.

This morning it was a different problem- a power cut, which left passengers stranded in the middle of the River Medina.

They were eventually led to safety, but the service has been suspended until Monday afternoon at the earliest.