Manxman update

Mon, 09 Oct 2023

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company say that the Manxman yesterday (October 8) experienced a temporary issue with control systems resulting in a reduction in propulsion power.

It has said: “Following standard operating procedures, the engineering team managed to restore full functionality and allow the sailing to proceed, only for the same issue to recur.

“At this stage, the Master made the decision to return to Douglas rather than risk entering Heysham Port with the danger of an unknown fault recurring while in the middle of a tricky manoeuvre.

“Following the safe docking of Manxman in Douglas Port, passengers who wished to continue their journey were able to transfer to Ben-my-Chree for the 20:00 sailing to Heysham.”

Overnight the Manxman’s engineering team have traced the source of the fault and established updated procedures for dealing with a similar scenario if it should reoccur.

It added: “Pending testing at sea, the Company is hopeful Manxman will resume service imminently. The Company has prepared contingency plans if for, any reason, Manxman is not able to resume service.”

Managing Director Brian Thomson thanks the crew members who “pulled out the stops” to make sure Ben-my-Chree was able to sail today (October 9) to cover for Manxman.

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