Isle of Wight Lake Rescue: Push Boat Lifesaver Secures Floating Bridge Crossings
Push Boat Keeps Floating Bridge Afloat
The Isle of Wight Council launched a push boat service to tackle issues with the chain depth of Floating Bridge 6. This ‘lifeboat’ ensures crossings continue even during rapid ebb tides by clearing the chains instead of halting crossings altogether.
MV Seaclear’s Contract Boom
Since 2018, the trusty barge MV Seaclear has been the council’s go-to vessel. Initially operating on a short-term basis, MV Seaclear has since secured two official contracts: one from June 2019 to April 2020 costing £138,365, and a longer stint from August 2020 to September 2022 at £252,000.
Big Bucks for a Lifesaving Service
Now, the council is gearing up for a third contract, with applications closing on August 17th. This new deal will keep the push boat running from October 2022 through September 2025 for a whopping £658,160. There’s also an option to extend the contract in six-month blocks until 2027.
The total spent across all three contracts will top £1,049,525 — a sum the council notes could be offset only by nearly 700,000 foot passenger return trips or over 437,000 car journeys.
Council Keeps Mum Amid Ongoing Talks
The Isle of Wight Council declined further comment, citing ongoing discussions with all parties involved in operating the Floating Bridge service.
