The Isle of Wight's problem-plagued chain ferry has crashed while returning from a safety inspection.

As BBC News which has more on the Floating Bridge No. 6, has been out of action since 7 March for its five-yearly check by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in Falmouth, Cornwall.

As it was towed back to the island it appeared to hit the sea wall at East Cowes, causing damage to the windows.

The (Isle of Wight) council previously said it aimed to have the service running on 13 April.

This is a week earlier than originally planned. 

It's seven years since Afloat reported on a contract for the 20 vehicle River Medina chain-ferry.

The contract was awarded to a south Wales based boat-builder, Mainstay Marine Solutions of Pembroke Dock.