What an Absolute Anchor

A technical issue with the Ben-my-Chree’s anchor left passengers and freight stuck in Heysham over night.

The Ben was meant to be leave at 2.15am, but as of this morning, she was still in Lancashire, with the Manannan replacing it on this morning’s 8.45am sailing.

A spokesman for the company said: ‘A technical issue prevented raising the anchor which had been used during berthing due to the prevailing weather conditions. The tide then dropped below a level where Ben my Chree could leave port. Manannan has been drafted in at short notice to operate the 08:45 scheduled sailing to Heysham.

‘The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company would like to apologise to those passengers whose journeys have been disrupted. We are working to get sailings back on schedule as soon as possible.’