Passengers boarding the Ben-my-Chree in Heysham had to be rescued this afternoon (Friday), after a section of the gangway collapsed.

Seven adults and a child were trapped in the middle of the footway after it apparently 'un-hitched' from the boat, during boarding for the crossing to Douglas, at just after 2pm.

Fire crews from Morecambe and the Preston fire incident unit were called to the scene, to help the passengers to safety. No one was injured.

The Ben was making her first trip from Heysham to Douglas after returning from dry dock.

David Glover from West Yorkshire was among those waiting to board (play audio file):

The Steam Packet Company has confirmed eight passengers had to be rescued by the fire brigade as they boarded the Ben-my-Chree this afternoon.

It says they were on gangway when it collapsed and confirms nobody was injured during the incident.

The vessel, which was due to leave the United Kingdom at 2.15pm, was being assessed for damage and an investigation into the cause has begun.

In a statement, the Steam Packet Company says the relevant regulatory authorities have been informed.