Routine servicing of Manxman evacuation system

The Manxman will have routine work carried out on its Marine Evacuation System

Flagship passenger ferry Manxman will be taken out of action on four occasions for "planned servicing" of its marine evacuation system.

Work is scheduled to be carried out on the system on 26 March, 15 and 25 April, and 7 May, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has said.

The vessel will be replaced on its scheduled passenger journeys by either its predecessor, the Ben-my-Chree, or the fastcraft Manannan.

The testing of the evacuation system involves deploying chutes and detachable survival rafts for emergency situations.

The Ben-my-Chree itself is also due to have its planned annual maintenance and inspection during the months of March and April.

A spokesman for the ferry firm said its reservations team would confirm changes in travel information during the period with passengers via email or phone where appropriate.

The Manannan, which to come back into service to carry out journeys to Liverool at the end of the month, has also been given an overhaul and cabin refit during the winter period, he added.