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Manxman

What we are up to onboard when we are unable to sail.

24 January 2025 By Isle of Man Steam Packet Co.
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What we are up to onboard when we are unable to sail.

Storm Eowyn has canceled all of our sailings today, Manxman is waiting out the extreme weather in Heysham until sailings are able to resume with the 01:45 departure in order to minimise delay in freight reaching the island. 

With average wave heights reaching a staggering 7 meters —for context this is about four and a half times higher than the 1.5m on a normal day’s sailing, and about the same height as a two storey house - it’s not a day to be out on the Irish Sea.  

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look what our crew onboard are up to when we are unable to sail;

Monitoring on the Bridge

Our bridge is permanently manned, ensuring we’re continuously monitoring the mooring lines, weather conditions, and any alarms that may arise. This level of awareness allows us to make quick decisions if needed and keep everything in check.

Our engines are on immediate standby. This means that if required, we can get them up and running quickly. It also ensures we have power available to the bow thruster at short notice. 

Our deck crew is regularly checking the mooring stations to keep a close eye on the condition of the mooring ropes and winches. These elements are vital in holding the ship securely, especially when the seas are rough. 

Passenger Services Team

Unexpected downtime is never ideal, but we’re making the best of it! Our Passenger Services team are using this time to carry out deep cleaning jobs that would usually be done during scheduled maintenance nights. When we’re running two sailings a day as scheduled, these tasks often have to be side-lined because the team are busy looking after passengers’ needs, so it’s a good opportunity to ensure everything is spotless and prepared for the next group of passengers.

Galley Team Keeping Us Fed and Morale High

Our galley staff is doing an amazing job of keeping everyone well-fed and keeping spirits high. They’re also taking advantage of this time to prep ahead and give the kitchen all areas a deep clean, ensuring we're all ready for when we are able to get sailing again. 

We’ll continue to monitor the conditions closely and keep you updated as we navigate these challenging seas. Stay safe out there!