EXPECTED storm force 10 winds forced the cancellation of today’s (Tuesday) 8.45am return Isle of Man-Heysham Ben-my-Chree sailing.
The Steam Packet is also warning passengers that the 7.45pm sailing, scheduled to return to the island tomorrow morning, is subject to disruption or cancellation.
Passengers are advised that a final decision will be made at 5pm.
Meanwhile, the Steam Packet has confirmed that is has been unable to find a freighter charter while the Ben-my-Chree goes into dry dock at the weekend for the refit of its repaired bow thruster.
The Manannan will operate passenger and limited freight capacity services at the weekend.
Chief executive Mark Woodward said: ‘Manannan is freight capable but we had planned to supplement her with a freighter charter.
‘However, the company from whom we had hoped to charter has itself been beset by technical and weather issues.
‘As a result, they do not feel able to release a freighter to us. We will continue to explore all other avenues to secure a last-minute charter but, given the lack of suitable freighters operating in our waters, this now seems unlikely.’
Chief Minister Allan Bell met Steam Packet Chief Executive Mark Woodward today for an update on the company’s proposals to maintain services to the island in the pre-Christmas period.
‘The Steam Packet is obviously faced with an exceptional situation at the moment, as an unusually prolonged succession of gales has coincided with the Ben-my-Chree’s technical issues, which are scheduled to be resolved this weekend,’ Mr Bell said.
‘Clearly it will be necessary once the immediate difficulties have been overcome for the Government and Steam Packet to sit down together to review what lessons can be learned for the future from this experience.
‘In the meantime I have impressed upon the company the importance of this time of year for local retail businesses, as well as other aspects of island life, and I have encouraged them to keep up their communication with the public.
‘My impression from talking to people is that most of members of the public are being grown-up about what is happening and understand that services have been disrupted by a rare convergence of circumstances.’