Ben-my-Chree turned around to assist 'vessel in distress'

Passengers say they 'floated around' another vessel for an hour and a half 

The Ben-my-Chree had to delay its journey to Heysham last night turning around midway to assist a 'vessel in distress'.

Passengers say they 'floated around' another vessel for 90 minutes as those on board were transferred to another boat. 

A lifeboat was dispatched from Douglas RNLI and another from Barrow.

The Ben-my-Chree eventually reached Heysham shortly after 1am.

There is not expected to be any impact on today's Steam Packet schedule.

It's understood the vessel in question, having taken on water, was towed back to Fleetwood in the UK this morning. All aboard were safely recovered.