Following the collision in the River Mersey, the company confirmed all passengers were safely disembarked and resumed their onward journey.

A statement from the Steam Packet confirmed Sea Express 1 has suffered damage and will be thoroughly inspected in dock as soon as is possible.

An investigation into the incident has commenced in co-operation with all the relevant maritime regulatory agencies.

Passengers who had travelled to Liverpool on a day return ticket will return to the Island on the overnight sailing from Heysham.

Onward travel for the remaining passengers has been arranged for them by the company.

The Steam Packet Company sincerely apologises for the anxiety and problems experienced by passengers as a result of this incident and offers its sincere apologies.