Steam Packet hopeful of Ben-my-Chree Sunday sailing

Replacement part due to arrive this evening

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company says it's hopeful the Ben-my-Chee will sail as scheduled on Sunday morning (29 July).

The vessel was taken out of service on Saturday after suffering a 'major turbo charger failure' while approaching Douglas Harbour shortly before 6am.

The failure led to a small fire in the engine room, which was extinguished by crew.

Firefighters from Douglas and Laxey attended the incident as a precuation, and remained in attendance for 45 minutes.

A replacement part, sourced in the UK, is being be brought to the Island onboard this evening's Manannan sailing from Liverpool.

Engineers will then work through the night to fix the ship in time for the 8.45am sailing to Heysham on Sunday.

An extra return sailing to Heysham by fastcraft Manannan has been added to this evening's schedule, departing Douglas at 10.45pm, with her return scheduled for 2am on Sunday morning.