A vessel often seen in Douglas harbour has run aground off the coast of Lancashire in high seas.

A freak wave hit the 'Riverdance' yesterday sparking a major overnight rescue
operation in the Irish Sea.

The Riverdance was on a passage between Heysham and Warrenpoint in Northern Ireland

23 people have been plucked to safety.

Three military helicopters were involved in winching off passengers and crew in atrocious weather conditions.

The Riverdance and her sister ship Moondance are often chartered by the Steam Packet Company as relief vessels on Manx routes

Tony Redding from Seatruck Ferries, which owns the vessel, is proud of his
captain: