The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's new passenger ferry Manxman, sustained damage while docking at Heysham Port early Thursday morning, August 22nd, according to the operator.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported among passengers or crew, although specific details of the incident remain undisclosed.
Passengers scheduled for the Manxman’s 02:15 a.m. return service were transferred to the back-up vessel, Ben-My-Chree (IMO 9170705, 1998-built), which departed shortly after 05:00 a.m. This delay caused significant disruption to the scheduled 08:45 a.m. Heysham-bound sailing.
Increasing gales over the Irish Sea further complicated the situation, resulting in the cancellation of all afternoon sailings to and from Liverpool, as well as the remaining services between Douglas and Heysham. The Steam Packet Company cited both the adverse weather and berth slot restrictions at the port as reasons for the cancellations, emphasizing that passenger and crew safety were paramount.
Earlier, the company had confirmed that the scheduled sailing of the fast craft to Liverpool was canceled due to strong winds that led to wave heights exceeding safe operational limits for the Manannan. Additionally, Tuesday evening’s 19:45 BST departure of the Manxman from Douglas to Lancashire was delayed by 45 minutes because of unsettled conditions in the Irish Sea.
A spokesman for the Steam Packet Company stated that the damaged vessel would remain at Heysham while repairs are undertaken. Contingency plans have been implemented to minimize disruption, including the use of Ben-My-Chree for passenger services and the Arrow for freight transfers.
The relevant authorities, including the UK's Marine Accident Investigation Branch, have been notified of the incident. The Ben-My-Chree, which was in Heysham on a freight run, returned to Douglas Harbour at 09:00 a.m. this morning. The vessel’s subsequent sailing back to Lancashire was delayed until 11:30 a.m.