This year’s TT was the quietest for three years in terms of sea passengers, according to official figures from the Department of Transport.

The Harbours Division statistics show 81,500 people travelled on the ferries last month, down 19 per cent on 2007, and seven per on 2006.

Vehicle numbers show a similar trend – this year 26,500 drove off the ferries, the lowest June figure since 2006.

There is some good news as the year to date figures are up six per cent for both passengers and vehicles, which means more people are catching the ferry to the Island: just not during TT.

Captain Mike Brew of the Harbours Division says the 2007 centenary figures skew this year’s statistics, and underlying growth is very satisfying.