Manannan breakdown disrupts Easter sailings

The Steam Packet says its back-up vessel the MV Arrow will be in Douglas by tomorrow morning (7 April) ready to ease problems caused by the breakdown of Manannan.

The fast craft is currently out of service after debris sucked in by water jets caused serious damage to her propulsion system.  

All sailings between the Isle of Man and Liverpool are cancelled for the rest of Bank Holiday Monday and Tuesday (7 April).

Specialist engineers attempted to resolve the problem in-situ over three consecutive nights, but discovered the damage is more extensive than previously thought. Damaged parts will have to be removed and repaired or replaced.

Packet Chief Executive Mark Woodward is apologising to passengers for the disruption.

He says staff are doing all they can to re-book passengers on future crossings, but many are facing long queues in person and on the phone to re arrange travel.

Mr Woodward says attempts to keep Manannan in operation over the busy bank holiday weekend proved unsuccessful: