Sailings off due to critical safety issue

Sat, 27 Dec 2014

Sailings have been cancelled today due to a "critical safety issue" on the Ben-my-Chree.

The vessel's starboard steering gear has developed a fault meaning the rudder will not respond reliably to inputs from the bridge.

The Steam Packet Company says it cannot sail until the issue is identified and repaired - as a result sailings to and from Birkenhead have been scrapped.

It says due to the time of year it could be some time before the problem is fixed - the Steam Packet is now trying to get Manannan out of her winter overhaul and back into service.

The MV Arrow will be used to operate freight sailings - a further update is expected later today.