THE Sandbanks chain ferry had to suspend its service due to low tides.

The ferry operator announced just before 6pm on Friday that service had been suspended due to “tides”.

“The ferry has run aground on the Poole side, we now have to wait for high tides (midnight) to refloat. We won’t be back in service tonight,” a spokesperson said.

"If you have crossed the ferry on foot and are stranded - contact the toll boxes, or blue box on Poole side now as we're arranging transport."

Meanwhile, motorists who were already on board the ferry were forced to reverse off and divert via the road to Swanage.

Sean Gibson said he waited two hours before being able to drive off the ferry after boarding the vessel at 4.30pm.

It is now back in action.