Overnight sailings cancelled due to weather

Everything you need to know as poor weather batters Island

The Ben-my-Chree is currently on its way back to the Isle of Man - but won't be going back out this evening. 

However social media speculation suggests it is travelling empty.

Manx Radio has asked the Steam Packet Company for clarification.

It's replaced the Manxman today following an incident overnight.

The boat had been due to leave Heysham at 2.15pm but that sailing was cancelled due to 'operational reasons'.

A marine tracking website shows it left the Lancashire Port at 5.24pm, with an estimated time of arrival into Douglas of 9.30pm.

The vessel was due to depart the capital again at 10pm, however that sailing has now been cancelled, as has its return leg.

Earlier, the Manannan saw its sailings cancelled due to 'significant wave heights'.

Adverse weather is continuing to batter the Island, with gusts of around 55-60 mph expected for a time overnight.

A yellow weather warning is in place from 1am until 8am for gales and severe gales.

Government is asking people to ensure their property is secure, including garden furniture, bins and other equipment.

Separately, an amber weather warning is in place for flooding and coastal overtopping, with a number of roads to be shut from midnight until 4am.

Motorists are being warned not to park on promenades overnight, and sandbags can be collected from the following locations:

Douglas

• North Quay – Barbary Coast
• North Quay – Bridge Hotel
• Lake Road
• Strathallen Cresent
• Tromode (Civil Defence HQ)

Laxey

• Laxey Promenade
• Laxey Depot

Ramsey

• Ramsey Market Square Car Park (space nearest to Commercial Hotel)
• West Quay (outside Trafalgar Hotel)
• West Quay (adjacent to Swing Bridge)

Meanwhile, the Isle of Man Post Office has warned of disruption to its services following the incident involving the Manxman overnight.

As a result, no inbound mail has made it onto the Island today and will therefore it will not be delivered tomorrow.

Once the inbound mail arrives on the Island it will be 'delivered as soon as possible'.

Local to local mail is unaffected by this incident.

The company adds that 'due to the forecast adverse weather, the delivery guarantee for the UK Special Delivery two-day service has been suspended until further notice'.