An extra Heysham service has been added to this weekend’s schedule to give more choice and help clear any freight backlog caused by this week’s high winds, which have led to the cancellation of three return sailings. The Ben-my-Chree will cover an additional 2000hrs passenger and freight service on Saturday, January 7, along with a return 0215 Sunday sailing to the Island. Commercial Director John Watt explained: ‘The Ben-my-Chree was scheduled for general maintenance overnight on Saturday/Sunday, but this has been rescheduled to allow us to provide the additional return sailing. ‘Wind direction as well as strength has been an issue this week, even with the repaired and refitted second bow thrust unit. We may have caught up on freight before the weekend, but this extra service for passengers and freight customers will provide more choice and additional cover.’ ENDS