Balmoral won't sail in 2018

Ship banned from crossings

The historic passenger ship Balmoral will not sail in 2018.

It's been a regular visitor to Manx shores over the years, but is now in serious need of repairs.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is refusing to issue the ship's owners with a licence to carry passengers until work to the hull is carried out.

Renovations made in recent years have left it at a standard now deemed unacceptable for anything other than emergencies.

Currently there are no funds to carry out the work.

Trustees have now submitted a bid of £3.75 million to the Heritage Lottery Fund to carry out the repairs and secure the ship's 'long-term future'.