Get the latest news from Manx.News

Steam Packet criticises lack of on-call divers

Mon, 29 Jul 2013

The Steam Packet is again complaining of a lack of cover by government divers who weren’t available to fix a problem with the Ben-my-Chree last night.

Two of the ferry’s sailings were cancelled after ropes from a fishing boat became tangled in the propellers.

Changes were made to the Department of Infrastructure’s out-of-hours diving team cover in March.

The move saves the taxpayer around £35,000 a year and a consultation was held before the decision was taken.

It’s the second time in a few weeks that there’s been a problem like this for the Steam Packet.

On the last occasion it was fixed by navy divers who were in the area by coincidence.

---