The Cowes Floating Bridge has been pulled from service once again – around 24 hours after having returned from its latest setback.
The ill-fated vessel ground to a halt on Saturday as a result of an electrical problem.
Returning to service yesterday (Thursday), it was a case of 'come in number six' as the floater found itself flush out of luck once more — a broken chain reportedly the cause of this latest issue.
The timing could hardly be worse, with the Round the Island Race taking place at the weekend, and many competitors relying on the bridge to transport them between East and West Cowes.
Having resolved its recent electrical issue, it was hoped that the sixth incarnation of the bridge would be in perfect working order for the major event, with an extended timetable in place to aid crews.
It will now be a race against time over the next 12 hours to fix the bridge before the boats compete over the 50 nautical mile course, which gets underway at the famous Royal Yacht Squadron.
The Round the Island Race is scheduled to start at 6am, with the Floating Bridge due to run an extended timetable from 4am.
We have contacted the Isle of Wight Council for further information on the latest setback.