Fast craft sailings cancelled due to strong winds

Monday afternoon's sailing of the Manannan to Liverpool and its return have been cancelled

Manx ferry crossings to Liverpool have been disrupted by strong winds over the Irish Sea.

The 15:00 BST sailing of the Manannan and its return journey have been scrapped due to "adverse weather", the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has said.

Ronaldsway Met Office said gusts of up to 50mph (80km/h) were expected to hit the island on Monday.

While all sailings between Douglas and Heysham were due to go ahead, the daytime crossings were operated by former flagship the Ben-my-Chree instead of the Manxman.

The ferry firm said the change was “due to planned maintenance of safety equipment” on the newer vessel.

Ferry crossings also faced disruption last week, including the cancellation of some sailings of the Manannan due to damage to the deck and engine problems caused by a “very rough crossing” from Liverpool on Tuesday.