Will the Isle of Wight's floating bridge be back in time for Cowes Week? Its computer says no.

"Its brain is fried", East Cowes councillor Karl Love has told the County Press.

It means the troubled vessel is expected to be out of action for the next three weeks.

A foot passenger replacement service, the Jenny Lee, will operate in its place, but its last launch will be at 11.15pm.

Read more: Isle of Wight floating bridge suspended due to software issue

It will affect those heading to and from Cowes, via East Cowes, for the Regatta.

Cllr Love said he asked for the council to commission a night bus service to mitigate the impact.

He told the County Press: "Essentially, the main components of the computer which operate the floating bridge have completely failed and it looks like it’s going to have to have a completely new system."

Cllr Love said he has been told the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) will not allow it to operate.

A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council said: "Following the unexpected breakdown of the Floating Bridge’s technical software and programming system, which controls numerous aspects of the vessel's operational system including its safety systems, contractors have been engaged to resolve the issue. Unfortunately, this process is anticipated to take up to three weeks and therefore, the Floating Bridge will be out of service for Cowes Week 2023.

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"It is essential that the Floating Bridge adheres to Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) requirements.

"The launch service (Jenny Lee) for foot passengers and cyclists operates from 5am -11.15pm daily (6.30am -11.15pm on Sunday 30 July).

"Any passengers wishing to cross the river between 11.15pm and 12.45am (between Saturday 29 July and Friday 4 August inclusive) are advised to contact Cowes Water Taxis, who will be operating from Town Quay, Cowes and the Gridiron pontoon, East Cowes. A water taxi can be booked by calling 07551 431993 or 07974 864627 and the charge will be £5 cash per person.

"Information on bus times and routes can be found on the Southern Vectis website here: https://www.islandbuses.info/services.

"Passengers are advised to allow additional time for their journey at peak times. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause."

The vessel was pulled from service due to a software issue on July 16 — the latest in a long line of withdrawals.

It has not returned since.