News

MANANNAN – STATEMENT 10.10 HOURS – 24/03/16

24/3/2016

Following last night’s incident with Manannan, this morning’s scheduled 07.30 sailing to Liverpool has been cancelled.

All passengers were asked to check in as normal, and every effort has been made to transfer bookings to the 08.45 Ben-my-Chree sailing to Heysham. Bus transfers will be provided between Heysham and Liverpool. 

The return sailing from Liverpool at 11.15 has also been cancelled and passengers on that sailing have been asked to contact our call centre on 08722 992 992 or 01624 661661 to discuss possible alternative sailings.

Assessment of the damage to Manannan following last night’s collision with Victoria Pier continues this morning.

Steam Packet Company CEO Mark Woodward said:

‘The incident happened as Manannan approached her berth in Douglas during the evening sailing from Liverpool. After the collision, she docked in Douglas around 22.40 and all passengers and vehicles were disembarked. Unfortunately, five passengers suffered what are believed to be minor injuries but ambulances were called as a precaution. These passengers were initially treated on board Manannan before being taken to hospital by ambulance for further assistance.


‘Safety is absolutely paramount to the Steam Packet Company and we have launched a detailed investigation to find out what has caused the incident. Early indications are that it may have been a systems control failure but the cause of this is unclear.

‘The Steam Packet Company would like to thank all of the emergency services that assisted during the incident.’

‘We apologise for any disruption caused to passengers. We are continuing to assess the damage caused to Manannan as well as examining all possible options to minimise disruption. At this stage, it is looking likely that over the peak Easter days we will not be able to accommodate all passengers. MV Arrow will be arriving tomorrow, allowing us to dedicate Ben-my-Chree to passengers. A further update on revised schedules and the damage to Manannan will be issued later today (Thursday)