SPC says further delays unlikely

Engine problem causes four hour delay

The Steam Packet Company is promising minimal delays after an engine problem on Ben-my-Chree last night (22 May) - as TT visitors begin to arrive on-Island. 

Engine alarms began sounding on the afternoon sailing from Heysham yesterday - which resulted in a four-hour wait for passengers.

Chief Executive Mark Woodward says it resulted from an engine failing due to a contamination in the lube oil - meaning it needed to be shut down.

The master took the view the ship couldn't dock in Douglas on one engine alone.

It's expected there'll be delays for the remainder of the day, but the schedule will run to time after the Ben arrives in at 5:45pm this afternoon.

Mr Woodward says with the ship heavily booked, there's impetus to get the service back on schedule: