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TT Star McGuinness blasts Steam Packet

Thu, 24 May 2018

John McGuinness has taken to twitter to blast the Steam Packet after he alleged they caused damage to his camper van.

The TT star said he was “disappointed” and that the loading staff were “lazy”. McGuinness hinted that this wasn’t the first time he had issues with the ferry company.

It comes less than a week after other race teams criticized the Packet over loading procedures at Belfast in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Isle of Man based race team sponsor Phil Poultney and TV commentator Dave Moore, took to social media over a shambolic situation which led to the ferry leaving over 3 hours late.

Mr Poultney was told by Steam Packet staff that if he didn’t like it he could “check out and not get home”. Meanwhile TV commentator Dave Moore had posted a photo showing foot passengers squeezing between commercial vehicles to access the vessel. He said that elderly passengers were very distressed trying to squeeze past trucks on the car deck.

The Steam Packet is currently in the process of being Nationalised by the Manx Government, who this week are completing a deal worth over £124 million to buy the company.

Updated:

This afternoon the Steam Packet issued a statement through their PR Company which read:

‘On Wednesday afternoon (May 23), there was a minor underside grounding of a low clearance camper van boarding the Ben-my-Chree in Heysham.

‘As soon as it became apparent that assistance was required, all available deck crew and the loading officer assisted with ramps, mats and directions.

‘Throughout the incident, the crew continued to help the passenger in a professional manner.’

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