Ben crossings cancelled today

Packet says return to service imminent

This morning's Steam Packet sailings have been disrupted, after the Ben-my-Chree suffered an engine failure yesterday.

The 8.45am crossing to Heysham, and scheduled return journey at 2.15pm, have been cancelled.

It was originally hoped that the vessel would undergo repair in the Lancashire port, but the Steam Packet says this 'proved impossible'.

The Ben sailed back to Douglas without passengers overnight, on one engine - where it will now be looked at by shore staff.

Anyone booked on the affected sailings is asked to call Reservations on 661661.

It's expected that repairs will be completed in time for tonight's 7.45pm crossing.

Sailings to Liverpool aboard the fastcraft Manannan are unaffected.

Newsagent wholesalers GE White have also confirmed today's UK newspapers arrived with vendors shortly before 6am.

For the latest information on sailings click here.