The Isle of Man Steam Packet company fast craft Manannan was involved in a collision with Victoria Pier at Douglas at around 10pm last night, as she arrived at the Manx port from Liverpool. In a statement issued by the company, CEO Clive Woodward blamed the collision on “systems control failure”. 5 people where taken to hospital with injuries, however no-one was seriously injured.
The incident means that capacity to the Isle of Man over the Easter period will be limited, with the only passenger sailings likely to be operated by the ropax vessel Ben-My-Chree. The freight vessel Arrow has been recalled from a charter to Channel Islands operator Condor in order to allow Ben-My-Chree to carry more passengers and their cars in the absence of Manannan.
Manannan is currently tied up at Douglas whilst the damaged sustained and the exact cause of the incident are investigated. This means that tomorrows sailings to and from Belfast from the Isle of Man are cancelled. The next scheduled Belfast sailings are on Wednesday 30th March, however it is yet to be seen if Manannan will be back in service by then.
Passengers booked on Isle of Man sailings should contact the Steam Packet directly, either through the website www.steam-packet.com or by telephoning 08722 992 992. The company have advised however that they are currently experiencing a high volume of calls which may lead to delays.