Packet sailings cancelled by gales

Severe weather has led to the cancellation of a number of Steam Packet services today (Monday).

The 8.45am sailing of the Ben-my-Chree to Heysham, and this afternoon's return service were called off first thing this morning, with weathermen predicting gale to severe gale force winds, with gusts up to 70 miles an hour.

Later on this morning, the Steam Packet also cancelled Manannan's 3pm sailing to Liverpool, and the return service at 7pm.

The Ben-my-Chree's 7.45pm sailing to Heysham, and the service back to Douglas in the early hours of tomorrow morning, may also be affected.

The latest from the company (at 3pm) is that 'the current severe weather forecast indicates possible disruption'.