During the passage to Liverpool on the morning of 7th August, one of Manannan’s generators disconnected itself from the electrical switch boards. Due to the risk of being refused entry into Liverpool port, or being kept in the port until the problem was rectified, the difficult decision was made for the vessel to return to Douglas and allow passengers to transfer to the Manxman sailing to Heysham.
The initial indications were that there was a fault with the generator itself. However, as the onboard engineering teams investigated the fault further it later became apparent that there were a number of failed components of the safety and control circuits in the electrical switchboard, which were preventing the generator breaker from working.
The fault finding was carried out methodically and with professionalism and as quickly as possible, taking account of the dangers of working with high voltages and large currents associated with vessels electrical generation. Some of the work had to be carried out with no electrical power for safety reasons and just battery lighting.
All customers on the affected crossings were able to change their bookings free of charge or a full refund if that was preferred. Coaches were provided to take passengers to and from Heysham, free of charge.
IOMSPC Managing Director Brian Thomson commented, ‘I wish to thank the tireless work of all the staff involved and the dedication shown to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Everyone in the company has worked exceptionally to assist everyone to get where they need to go.’