Fast craft ferry sailings resume after weather alert

The Manannan set sail for Belfast on Tuesday morning

Sailings of the Isle of Man’s fast craft ferry have resumed after stormy weather damaged the vessel and led to services being axed.

The Manannan's crossings to Liverpool on Tuesday evening were cancelled while Wednesday's journey to Belfast was delayed to allow for repairs.

A Steam Packet spokesman said damage to the deck and engine problems were caused by a “very rough crossing” back to the island following delays in Liverpool.

The conditions, which included record rainfall for an April day, also disrupted daytime sailings of the Manxman to Heysham.

The heavy rain, coupled with high spring tides and strong winds, also led to some localised flooding on Tuesday.

Ronaldsway Met Office issued an amber weather warning for further coastal overtopping around the time of high tide at 13:20 BST, with the possibility of debris being brought on shore on the northern parts of Douglas Promenade, Shore Road in Rushen, Castletown Promenade, and to a lesser extent Laxey and Ramsey Promenades.

Forecasters also warned of the possibility of minor flooding yet to come, but said any fresh downpour would be “relatively short-lived in comparison”.