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Ben-my-Chree sustains 'minor damage' during passage to Belfast

Vessel to be drydocked whilst repairs to hull carried out

The Steam Packet has confirmed that the Ben-my-Chree recently sustained minor damage to its hull during its passage to Belfast.

It says the repairs cannot be carried out in the water, so the vessel will be drydocked whilst it is fixed.

The Steam Packet says it's 'assessing the quickest way to fix the damage, ideally in combination with the routine annual dry docking.'

It says an internal investigation is taking place, alongside the Isle of Man Ship Registry, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Lloyds Register, to understand how the damage was caused.

Manx Radio has received as-yet unverified reports of an issue involving the Ben's anchor.

The company assures at no point has the vessel or any member of crew been in danger and the MV Arrow is in place to provide 'lifeline services'.

The Steam Packet says 'a further update on the progress of repairs will be provided in due course.'

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