Control fault on Manxman ferry caused disruption to sailings

The Manxman, which had its maiden voyage in August, cost £78m

The Isle of Man's newest passenger ferry had a "temporary issue with control systems" which affected sailings to Lancashire, the Isle of Man Steam packet has confirmed.

The Manxman was forced to turn back during a crossing from Douglas to Heysham on Sunday.

Managing Director Brian Thomson said "at no stage was anyone in any danger" but apologised to those affected.

The Ben-My-Chree was drafted in to cover morning and evening sailings.

The ferry firm said the new vessel experienced a "temporary issue with control systems resulting in a reduction in propulsion power" on the sailing which left Douglas harbour at 09:06 BST on Sunday.

"Full functionality" was restored allowing the sailing to continue but the problem happened once again, a spokesman said.

The ship's master made the decision to return "on safety grounds" rather than "risk entering Heysham Port with the danger of an unknown fault recurring whilst in the midst of a tricky manoeuvre", he said.

Upon arrival in Douglas, passengers were able to transfer to the evening Ben-my-Chree sailing to Lancashire.

'Right calls'

The company said the ship's engineering team had traced the source of the fault overnight and updated procedures had been put in place for dealing with a similar scenario if it should reoccur.

Mr Thomson said the on-board team had made the "right calls" and updated procedures meant staff would "know how to avoid anything similar happening in the future".

The firm also said it was "hopeful" Manxman would "resume service imminently" pending testing at sea but short-term contingency plans had been prepared if the vessel was not able to resume service.

The Manxman arrived in Manx waters on 2 July and made its maiden voyage in August.

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