Isle of Man pier crash ferry returns to service

The Manannan has been repaired at Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead

A ferry that crashed into a pier injuring five people has returned to service, it has been confirmed.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's Manannan vessel suffered damage to its hull after it crashed into Victoria Pier in Douglas on 23 March.

The damaged catamaran was repaired at the Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead and has resumed its Belfast and Liverpool routes.

The company apologised for the "inconvenience" caused to passengers.

All sailings between Douglas and Liverpool were cancelled during the repairs whilst services to Heysham in Lancashire were unaffected.

A spokesman said the repair work was completed on Thursday but that they had to wait for the first suitable "undocking tide."