Ben-my-Chree delay forces vessel swap

Manannan to ply Heysham route

The Steam Packet says its Sunday evening sailing between Douglas and Heysham (9 April) will be operated by fast craft Manannan.

It's after Ben-my-Chree was delayed leaving Heysham for the Island by almost four hours this afternoon, with the scheduled 2.15pm departure put back to 6pm.

She is not due to arrive here until 9.30pm.

Tonight's crossing from Douglas to Heysham will leave at the later time of 10.45pm, with a change of vessel.

Manannan will then carry out Ben-my-Chree's return overnight crossing at the scheduled time of 2.15am, Monday 10 April, due to arrive in Douglas at 4.30am.

It's unclear whether the Ben has suffered a mechanical problem, with no reason yet given by the Steam Packet for the changes.