Update on sailings 27th January

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is providing an update on Saturday and Sunday’s sailings to and from Heysham.

The technical issues which prevented Manxman sailing this morning have now been investigated and resolved, allowing the vessel to undertake this evening’s 20:15 sailing to Heysham and the subsequent 02:15 return on Sunday morning.

Prior to the departure of the 08:00 sailing to Heysham on Saturday 27th, crew on board Manxman identified a minor structural issue in the area of the bow thrusters.

Following discussions with shore side staff, the vessel’s flag state authority and classification society, it was decided to cancel the daytime sailings to and from Heysham in order to give time for the issue to be fully investigated and resolved.

Fleet reserve vessel Ben-my-Chree was readied to undertake this evening’s 20:15 sailing to Heysham and the 02:15 return sailing on Sunday morning in case of need.

Unfortunately, there was insufficient time to prepare Ben-my-Chree in order to conduct the daytime sailings.

IOMSPC reservations staff contacted affected customers in order to transfer them to the overnight sailing, make alternative arrangements or issue a full refund.

The Company would like to apologise to all customers affected and thank them for their patience and understanding.

Managing Director Brian Thomson commented ‘As always, safety is our number one priority. While we are very sorry for the disruption this has caused, it is absolutely right that the situation is fully investigated and resolved. I’d like to thank all of the crew, shoreside staff, our colleagues in DoI, Isle of Man Ship Registry and at Lloyd’s Register for assisting in resolving this promptly and effectively.’

ENDS