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Bad day for Ben my Chree

Tue, 24 May 2011

The Ben my Chree will be taken out of service for two periods over the summer after it sustained damage to a bow thruster.

The damage was caused as a result of the vessel ingesting some debris.

The thruster will need to be removed in dry dock towards the end of June, and will be replaced after the busy school holiday period, taking the vessel out of service for up to 2 days each time.

The Steam Packet Company says the damage will not affect the TT period, or journey times.

The announcement comes after yesterday's evening crossing to Heysham was forced to turn back due to severe weather conditions.

The Ben waited outside Heysham until around midnight for conditions to improve, however it was forced to return to Douglas.

Sailings are operating as normal today, but the Ben will have to use an alternative berth.

This is due to another vessel using the Ben's usual berth after sustaining damage whilst entering the harbour in last night's rough seas.

The Steam Packet Company is apologising to passengers affected by yesterday's disruption, and the future disruption whilst repairs are undertaken.

 

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