Managing director Jim Duncan says Ramsey Bakery will have to stop production if the Ben-my-Chree's next four sailings are cancelled.

It's been confirmed this evening's 7.45 service to Heysham and the return at 2.15am tomorrow (Wednesday) won't go, because of the severe gale force winds forecast for tonight.

Tomorrow's sailings could be subject to disruption or cancellation as well, and a decision about them will be made at 7am.

Mr Duncan says there is an ample supply of flour on the Island but yeast, which is a live product and has a limited life, is imported on a weekly basis.

He says if there are no sailings tomorrow the bakery will have to stop production.

Mr Duncan says it highlights the dangers of relying on imports: