'Smoke found' in machinery space caused emergency procedures on Manxman

Investigations into the cause of the incident are underway

The Steam Packet Company says the technical fault with the Manxman this morning (Tuesday 19 August) was caused when smoke was found in a machinery space.

It's released more details of the incident which has led to the cancellations of today's Heysham sailings.

The issue was identified during the 2.15am sailing and triggered the shoreside emergency response.

The Steam Packet says standard safety procedures were activated, including a muster of all passengers at emergency stations.

No one was injured during the incident, and investigations in the cause of the issue are now underway.

The emergency response process is said to have been stood down, and the Company is working on implementing its contingency plans.

The Ben my Chree is currently being made ready as an alternative as it's not yet known when the Manxman will be back in service.

Meanwhile today's Mannanan sailings are being rescheduled to help facilitate as many affected passengers as possible.

A further update on schedules is due at 1pm.