Ferry cancellations after smoke in machine room

Back-up vessel Ben-My-Chree has taken over the evening passenger sailing to Heysham

Daytime sailings between the Isle of Man and Lancashire have been cancelled after smoke was detected in the ferry's machinery room prompting an emergency response on board, the operator has confirmed.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said "standard safety procedures" had been activated during Manxman's 02:15 BST crossing from Heysham to Douglas, including assembling passengers at emergency stations.

The firm said no passengers or crew were injured and there was "no threat to the overall safety of the vessel".

The Steam Packet confirmed the 19:45 journey would be carried out by back -up vessel Ben-My-Chree.

The ferry's 08:30 crossing to the Lancashire port and its afternoon return were cancelled while the issue was investigated.

The firm said the vessel was able to proceed as normal to Douglas at a reduced speed, and moored with the help of a tug.

An emergency response was activated on the overnight sailing from Heysham

The Steam Packet said the relevant authorities had been kept informed throughout and the emergency response.

Investigations into the cause of the incident were underway and it was "liaising with equipment manufacturers to ensure the vessel is ready to return at the earliest opportunity", the company said.

As a result of the cancellations, the departure of the fast craft Manannan's morning sailing to Liverpool was delayed to allow as many passengers as possible to transfer to the vessel.

The disruption means its 11:15 return sailing running 45-minutes later than scheduled, with similar knock-on delays for it's afternoon and evening crossings.

In a statement the company said it was now "focused on ensuring contingency plans are implemented and services are able to continue with minimum disruption".

It marks the second incident involving the Isle of Man's flagship ferry in just over a week after a "small number" of passengers were hurt when the Manxman aborted its entry into Heysham Port on 11 August.