Manxman to resume service following repairs

The Steam Packet says the necessary repairs have been made to Manxman and she will return to Douglas this afternoon before resuming passenger duties.

The company's flagship vessel was damaged after hitting a wall as she entered Heysham Port during rough weather conditions in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Managing Director Brian Thomson told Manx Radio a temporary fix would be put in place, and a permanent repair will be made during her time in drydock next month.

The ferry operator says Ben-my-Chree will complete its return passenger sailing from Heysham at 2:15pm and will resume duties covering freight for the remainder of the Grand Prix period.

When asked why the Manxman would not be carrying passengers on its return to Douglas this afternoon, the Steam Packet said: 'Members of Manxman’s crew were transferred to Ben-my-Chree in order to allow Ben-my-Chree to maintain the scheduled service while the damage to Manxman was assessed and repaired.

'This means the crewing level on Manxman is below the required level for carrying passengers.'

The Manxman will return to service with the delayed sailing to Heysham this evening, which is due to depart Douglas at 9pm.

Meanwhile, the 9pm Manannan sailing from Liverpool has also been delayed until 11:59pm.

The Steam Packet Company says all sailings this evening and overnight are subject to possible disruption or cancellation due to the adverse forecast weather conditions.

You can keep up to date with the latest sailing information HERE.