Weather forces Ben to use alternative berth in Belfast

Overnight crossing to Douglas delayed due move and conditions

The Steam Packet Company has confirmed weather resulted in the Ben-my-Chree having to use an alternative berth in Belfast last night.

The overnight crossing from the Northern Ireland port to Douglas departed Belfast late and arrived in Manx waters almost two hours behind schedule this morning, spending nearly six hours at sea.

The operator told Manx Radio the vessel's master had concerns over the weather when arriving at Belfast, with winds gusting at gale force eight.

As a result, a different berth was used, resulting in passengers boarding the Ben late for its return crossing.

The delay had a knock-on effect to today's schedule, with the service to Heysham departing more than an hour late, but it's hoped the 2.30pm journey will operate with only a short delay.