COWES floating bridge woes have continued, with vessels struggling to enter and exit the East Cowes marina due to depth of the floating bridge chains. 
On Tuesday, three separate yachts hit the chains while attempting to pass, with one vessel receiving assistance from the Cowes Harbour Commission. 
Following failed attempts to readjust the chains in recent weeks, the Isle of Wight Council has been in consultation with engineers to consider solutions. 
The council has also met with the Cowes Harbour Commission and agreed that further adjustments will be made during the spring tide on August 8 and 9. 
The proposed changes should increase chain clearance from 1 metre to 1.5 metres — still a full metre shy of the specification laid out by designers of the bridge, Burness Corlett Three Quays.
East Cowes Cllr Karl Love, describe the latest incident as just one in a catologue of failures. 
He said: "It's getting beyond a joke, it's laughable. Here we are heading for Cowes Week and we've got the focus of the world media on us and we've got issues which could cause embarrassment and damage our world reputation." 
However, deputy harbour master Jonathan Kidd said that thanks to neap tides, the chains won't present a major problem during Lendy Cowes Week.
He said: "We've been discussing current issues with the council, there have been some adjustments made to try and get the chains sit correctly to provide adequate navigable depth but also keep the ferry operating throughout the tidal cycle.
"Vessels should be fine as long as the follow the advice we have put out on our local notice to mariners and chose the correct line. If they go too close to the shore or to close to the ferry there is a risk they will catch the chains."