Further Manx ferry sailings cancelled amid weather disruption

Gale force winds are forecast over the Irish Sea

More sailings between the Isle of Man and Lancashire have been cancelled as gales force winds were forecast.

The Manxman's evening sailing from Douglas to Heysham has been called off, as has its overnight return.

The Steam Packet Company (SPC) said it was due to a forecast of adverse weather and strong to gale force winds.

The bad weather cancellations have coincided with the start of industrial action by staff members in a dispute over new contracts.

The SPC said the 08:45 GMT departure from Douglas to Heysham on Friday was still due to go ahead, but a longer journey time has been allowed "for suitable weather conditions for berthing in Heysham Port".

As a result, the afternoon return journey has been rescheduled to leave at 15:00.

A yellow weather warning is in operation for coastal overtopping in some areas around the Manx coast from 23:00 on Thursday until 02:00 on Friday.

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