Passengers voice frustration over Steam Packet service reliability

Company declines to comment after wave of disruptions since late July

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has declined to comment after 14 of its sailings were cancelled in recent weeks due to technical problems affecting both its vessels.

Twelve Manannan services were disrupted following two separate issues on 27 July and 7 August, while the Manxman was forced to cancel two sailings yesterday (19 August).

Some passengers say they have been left frustrated by the cancellations.

One Island pensioner, Colin Ring, told Manx Radio he cannot return home until Saturday:

Meanwhile, visitor Kathryn Matthews said she and six others had been due on the same sailing.

She described the lack of communication as disappointing, explaining the group had been looking forward to the trip since June last year:

The company was invited to respond to concerns raised by passengers and to comment on the number of technical problems reported, but declined.

SCHEDULE

Separately, an update is expected from the company on today's schedule and the timeline for the Manxman's return to service.

It's as both Ben-my-Chree and Manannan were brought into operation for the services from Heysham yesterday.

The Manannan operated a replacement passenger sailing from Heysham at 3:30am this morning.

But as this left the Lancashire port later than the usual 2:15am sailing, it means this morning's 7am Manannan sailing to Dublin will be delayed and won't set off until 9am.

The Ben-my-Chree is also undertaking a freight sailing to avoid a backlog building up in Heysham Port.

She will then continue to operate the Wednesday daytime Heysham sailings while Manxman awaits spare parts. 

Service engineers and spare parts are 'en route to the Isle of Man on an expedited basis'.

And you can find the full list of today's sailings HERE.

UPDATE 7:40AM: Both vessels have been delayed heading to the Island this morning.

The Manannan will now depart at 9am for Dublin, and the Ben-my-Chree will now depart for Heysham at 9:45am.