#FerryDamage – Fast-ferry, Manannan remains out of service following damage last week to the Isle of Man Steam Packet craft.

The reason for the cause of the damage was due to ingestion of floating debris that led to cancelled sailings over Easter and also disrupted services to Ireland. 

Fortunately, the operator's main ferry, the conventional Ben-My-Chree was able to cover in for some sailings though this was at the expense of some of her routine Douglas-Heysham sailings.

Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: 'Work is progressing well to repair the damage to the trim tab and water jet steering gear'.

He added 'I would also like to scotch some of the rumours circulating on some social media platforms and forums. We have never attributed this damage to fishing gear. What we have said is that it is because of debris in the water. The nature of the damage – the worst we have ever seen – suggests that something very substantial was ingested.

'Since 2007 there have been 17 recorded major incidents where our ships have been damaged and passengers have been inconvenienced by disrupted schedules as a result. This latest incident is likely to cost in excess of £100,000 in repair costs alone.

'It is interesting to note too that P&O Express, the ship we chartered to cover yesterday's Belfast service because of the damage to Manannan's steering gear, was itself damaged when leaving the Island yesterday.

It reported a trim tab failure, similar to what happened to Manannan. As a result they had to cancel their own sailings yesterday afternoon and evening.'

#FerryDisruption – According to IsleofMan.com, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company says bad weather this week may mean travel disruption for ferry passengers.

Near-gale force winds in the Irish Sea are forecast for later tonight (Wednesday) and early tomorrow, meaning some sailings may be affected.

In particular, this evening's Douglas to Heysham trip at 7.45pm and the return voyage at 2.15am on Thursday are currently being looked at.

A final decision is due to be made by the master of Ben-My-Chree at 5pm today. To keep up to date of the latest sailings information, click HERE.