SPECIAL arrangements have been made to ensure to Cowes floating bridge operates its usual service for Cowes firework night.

The floating bridge went out of service this afternoon for the second time this week, leading to queues of passengers both sides of the Medina.

The council said the fault was due to a mechanicl issue with a prow hinge, and a passenger launch will run tonight until 11pm.

The launch will continue to operate from 5am on Friday, but the floating bridge will return to service for foot passengers from 6pm until 3am for the Cowes week fireworks.

Council leader, Councillor Dave Stewart, said: “This issue was totally unexpected but officers have worked quickly to address the situation. 

“Working alongside the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Cowes harbourmaster, everyone has made every effort to ensure the vessel is operational for firework night. 

“We run the service for foot passengers from 6pm, as we do every year during Cowes firework night. 

“We have contacted the Mainstay, who built the floating bridge, and they will be investigating the problem with the aim of making a full repair as soon as possible.” 

Watch engineers inspecting the bridge this afternoon: