Ferry passengers hurt during aborted port entry

The Manxman arrived back in Douglas Harbour at 18:00 BST on Monday

A "small number" of passengers were hurt when the Isle of Man's flagship ferry aborted its entry into Heysham Port on Monday, the operator has confirmed.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said some people suffered minor injuries when the Manxman rolled while turning sharply but no emergency response was needed.

The action was taken by the master during the 08:00 BST crossing of the vessel as it was "out of optimum approach position" when preparing to enter the Lancashire port.

The government-owned ferry firm said the incident would be reported through the appropriate channels and it would cooperate fully with any investigation deemed necessary.

In a statement the firm said: "The master ordered an aborted approach as the vessel was seen to be out of optimum approach position.

"This involved a sharp turn to starboard, resulting in the vessel heeling to port.

"As a result of the manoeuvre and the rolling of the vessel a small number of minor injuries have been sustained onboard."

The rest of Monday's sailings continued as planned.