Tesco apologises for lack of stock
There are concerns over food security with pictures showing empty shelves in a number of the Island's supermarkets.
It follows recent sailing disruption.
Last night (2 January) the Manxman did sail overnight from Heysham, however is now restricted to daytime-only sailings for the next two weeks due to the ship being undermanned whilst members of the Nautilus union take industrial action.
The MV Arrow has been called in to cover overnight freight services in the meantime.
On Monday (1 December), New Year's Day, the Manxman was unable to dock in Heysham until two-hours after its expected arrival time due to 'tidal conditions' - the knock-on effect saw the vessel return from Lancashire behind schedule. It was then unable to berth in Douglas until 11pm that evening due to high winds and the subsequent crossings to Heysham and back overnight were cancelled.
In the Douglas Tesco store, signs on some empty shelves read: "Due to adverse weather conditions we are experiencing lower than expected stock levels."
"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause."
In a statement released to Manx Radio, a spokesperson for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture said: "Following the recent announcement from IOM Steam Packet regarding the changes to the sailing schedule, DEFA have been involved in a Government wide conversation regarding how essential supplies to the Island can be maintained, especially food and also animal feed.
"The IOM Steam Packet have indicated that the Arrow will be brought into service to ensure that the freight link is not adversely affected, and as yet we have not seen any food or animal feed availability issues due to the staffing issues at IOM Steam Packet.
"We are seeing some typical supply chain challenges with the larger food retailers that are associated with the weather, which are not unexpected for the time of the year.
"There is a strong local food availability from local shops, local butchers, local bakers, farmers markets and local wholesalers who all have fresh locally produced food available. Our website has further details of what local food is available and where this can be sourced."
Images posted below show the state of some aisles of Douglas' Tesco store this morning (3 January) and M&S in late December.
Meanwhile, newspaper supplier GE Whites Ltd says the Arrow being unable to dock in Douglas until the Manxman has departed for Heysham in the mornings will mean a circa three-hour delay to distribution:
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