Sailings brought forward to avoid gales

The Ben-my-Chree left Douglas for Heysham nearly two hours earlier than normal this morning (Wednesday).

The vessel set sail at around 7am, as planned, to avoid the adverse weather expected later.

The return journey will be leaving for Douglas at midday, again around two hours earlier than usual, with passengers needing to check in no later than 11.30am.

A decision on this evening's 7.45pm service from Douglas, and the 2.15am return from Heysham, will be taken at 5pm today, and with more severe weather expected, further cancellations are possible.

Yesterday's sailings were all cancelled because of the gale force winds and similar conditions are forecast for later today.