STEAM Packet passengers waited for several hours today for a sailing that never happened.
It was announced this morning that the 10am service from Douglas to Liverpool on board the Manannan was going to be delayed 45 minutes due to unfavourable conditions in the Irish Sea.
But things soon became worse for passengers and some ended up waiting hours - only for the sailing to be completely cancelled.
There would have been disappointment for many as a number of passengers would have been going on holiday due to it being half-term next week.
It was on preparation for departure a technical fault in a control system was spotted.
The Steam Packet said it realised quickly there may not be an immediate resolution to the problem so at 11am day trip passengers were given the option of leaving the vessel.
During the course of the morning other foot passengers were also able to disembark.
Passengers also accessed their vehicles to exercise dogs on the quayside.
At 2pm - four hours after the sailing should have originally departed - passengers and their vehicles left the vessel with the option of remaining at the Sea Terminal or returning at 3pm in the event the sailing might go ahead.
However at 3pm the decision was made to cancel the sailing.
A Steam Packet statement said passengers were offered refreshments every hour and at 12.30pm a meal was provided to those passengers who wanted one.
It read: "Passengers have been offered the option of a transfer to the Ben-my-Chree sailing at 7.45pm on Saturday evening (tonight), a transfer to another sailing or a refund.
"Passengers on the 7.30pm sailing from Liverpool, which has also had to be cancelled, are being contacted to make alternative arrangements."
Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward said: "It is extremely rare for us to have to cancel a sailing due to a technical fault and it is highly unfortunate that this occurrence coincides with the start of the school half term.
"I would like to thank passengers for their patience while we endeavoured to effect a repair.
"Unfortunately we were not able to do this and will make every effort to accommodate passengers affected on alternative sailings.
"We anticipate that tomorrow's Liverpool service will operate as scheduled."
It has been a bad year for the Steam Packet's fast craft vessels.
Both the Snaefell and the Manannan encountered engine problems earlier this year causing longer sailing times.
isleofman.com received a comment from one of the passengers, Boakesey, who said: "I was one of many passengers who sat on the Mannanan for ages, waiting for them to fix the problem.
"Eventually, we were invited to leave and have a full refund or rebook for a different ferry, which is what I've done.
"I'm very disappointed, however, and have lost out on pre-booked train and hotel costs, not to mention missing out on a memorable night out in Theatre Land tonight.
"We weren't even offered a free cuppa, by way of apology, either! Next time I'll fly, even if it costs more."
Were you due to sail on the Manannan this morning? Let us know your views.
