The Steam Packet Company have announced that all Manannan sailings for today, Monday 6th April, have had to be cancelled. The  Manannan suffered damage at sea last week and specialist dive teams have been trying for three nights to locate and repair the damage caused by ingestion of debris that impacted her propulsion and manoeuvring system.

Repair teams working last night found the damage to be more extensive than previously identified. The necessary repairs will involve removal, repair and replacement of parts of these systems.

It is likely that sailings over the next few days may also need to be cancelled. Announcements regarding any further cancellations will be made later today.

Steam Packet Company Chief Executive, Mark Woodward, said: ‘We would like to offer our sincere apologies to passengers. Sea debris is a growing problem and unfortunately one which is entirely beyond our control.

‘We are doing all that we can to restore normal operations as soon as possible but, as always, passenger safety is our first priority.

‘We are also bringing in our back-up vessel, MV Arrow, so that the Ben-my-Chree can be devoted to passenger traffic to help minimise disruption. We will release further updates as information becomes available.’