Investigation opens after damage to Isle of Man Steam Packet ferry

The Ben-my-Chree was damaged on a journey to Northern Ireland

An investigation has begun into minor damage caused to the hull of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's back-up passenger ferry.

The Ben-My-Chree sustained the damage on a journey to Belfast last week where the vessel was due to be temporarily held out of service.

A spokesman for the firm said the repairs would need to carried out while the ferry was in dry dock.

The firm has not confirmed what the damage was or how it occurred.

An internal investigation into the incident was being carried out, but there had been no danger to the crew or the vessel, the spokesman said.

The Ben-my-Chree was being taken to Northern Ireland to be kept there while work takes place on the King Edward VIII Pier in Douglas Harbour.

The repairs to the boat would be carried out "in combination with the routine annual dry docking" if possible, the firm's spokesman said.

Cargo vessel MV Arrow was currently operating as the firm's back-up vessel for freight, he added.

The Steam Packet's newest ferry Manxman has taken over daily passenger services.

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