Last night’s Steam Packet sailings of the Ben-my-Chree were cancelled.
The boat was scheduled to sail at 7.45pm from Douglas and 2.15am from Heysham.
However, routine inspections revealed that ropes from a fishing vessel have become entangled around both of the vessel’s propellers, and the diving team were unavailable to clear the ropes because of government cuts.
All passengers affected by the cancellations were advised and the Steam Packet organised an additional service on board Manannan, which left Douglas at 10.30pm and returned from Heysham at 1:30am.
It’s the second time this month that the Ben-my-Chree has suffered problems because of fishing ropes.
{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/steam-packet-sailings-are-saved-by-the-navy-1-5848786|Click here to read our earlier story}
This morning’s sailing to Heysham was delayed. Passengers were asked to check in as normal and the boat left at 9.40am after the ropes were cleared from the vessel’s propellers. It is expected to arrive in Heysham at 1.15pm and passengers for this afternoon’s 2,15pm return sailing have been asked to check in as normal.