THE Steam Packet has scheduled an additional return service to Liverpool tomorrow (Thursday) following a number of cancelled sailings this week due to bad weather. 

The Manannan will leave Douglas at 7.30am and return from Liverpool at 11.15am.

And the passenger capacity for the Ben-my-Chree's 2.15am sailing from Heysham to Douglas has been increased.

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward said: "The weather conditions in the Irish Sea over the last few days have been severe and in such circumstances our first priority must always be the safety of our passengers and crew.

"We have kept passengers advised as to developments and, of course, we understand the frustrations that can be felt at such times.

"The good news is that the weather forecast for Wednesday onwards this week is a good deal more encouraging than it has been since the weekend.

"We have also spoken with Commonwealth Youth Games organisers and we are not aware of any ongoing travel issues with the teams."

The Manannan has had a problem with one of its gearboxes but the company said repairs are going well and the vessel should be back on full power shortly. 

Picture by John Gregory