EXTREME weather conditions meant last night's sailing of the Ben my Chree was forced to return to the Island.

The ship departed from Douglas at 7.45pm but was unable to berth at Heysham.This meant passengers had to stay onboard while the ship sailed back to the Island – eventually returning at 5.30am.

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward said: "We had been monitoring the unseasonal weather forecasts during the course of Monday to provide every possibility for a sailing to take place. At 6pm on Monday the forecast was for improving weather conditions later in the evening which would have enabled the Ben my Chree to berth at Heysham.

"We will always try to operate our scheduled sailings when we can although on this occasion a rapidly changing weather system has conspired against us."

The ship waited outside Heysham until around 12am for conditions to improve but when they did not the decision was taken to return to the Island.

Mark continued: "As passenger safety is our primary concern the decision was taken to return to Douglas. The damage to the after bow thruster was not a factor in the decision to return to Douglas as arrangements had been made for tug assistance. Had the actual weather experienced been forecast the sailing would not have taken place.

"A vessel did enter Heysham following the decision to return the Ben to Douglas. This vessel sustained damage while berthing and is currently sitting on the Heysham berth used by the Ben. As a result we will be using an alternative berth today.

"In order to assist passengers with their travel plans the Sea Terminal was opened earlier than usual and Steam Packet Company staff were on hand to meet passengers as they arrived in Douglas.

"I would like to thank the passengers for their understanding and apologise for the inconvenience caused by the unseasonal weather we are currently experiencing. Our sailings on Tuesday will operate as scheduled." 

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