Ferry passengers are being warned that sailing times will be longer on the Manannan seacat routes throughout the summer.

The Steam Packet says the vessel is operating on reduced power because of problems with one of her four engines. Travel times are approximately 20 minutes longer. The cause is being investigated but is thought to be a failed crankshaft, which would require the seacat to be out of service for several days for repairs.

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward said: 'Removing Manannan from service for three days during the busy summer period would cause inconvenience and disruption to many of our passengers, so we are planning to wait until a quieter period, in mid-September, to carry out the repair.

'In the meantime, we will be deploying additional resources in the ports to ensure each sailing departs on time, or ahead of schedule, to allow Manannan to arrive at her destination as close as possible to her scheduled arrival time.'


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