The Isle of Man Steam Packet have this afternoon confirmed that specialist engineers and aluminium fabricators are arriving later today to help assess the damage to Manannan following last night's collision.

They will assist the Steam Packet Company in determining whether repairs can be effected in Douglas or if the vessel needs more extensive work in dry dock.

The assessment and repair will take some time and, therefore, the Steam Packet Company has reluctantly taken the decision to cancel the scheduled Manannan sailings to and from Liverpool and Belfast tomorrow (Friday 25th March).

Passengers booked on these sailings can either cancel and receive a full refund or are asked to contact the Call Centre on 08722 992 992 or 01624 661661 to discuss alternatives. Online account holders may amend their bookings through the Company’s website www.steam-packet.com.

Passengers on the cancelled Belfast sailings have the option of making alternative arrangements direct with other operators and then writing to the Steam Packet Company with receipts as appropriate.

Passengers booked on today’s 1500 departure to Liverpool and the return sailing at 1915 have already been contacted.

Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘Our telephone lines are extremely busy as passengers discuss alternative arrangements with staff. Due to the volume and length of these calls, additional staff have been brought in to help in both Douglas and Liverpool.

‘It is anticipated that over the peak Easter days not all passengers booked to travel can be accommodated, although we are making every effort to provide an alternative to as many passengers as possible.

‘Back-up freight vessel MV Arrow will arrive in Douglas tomorrow (Friday) and will allow Ben-my-Chree to be dedicated to passenger traffic.

‘Ben-my-Chree was not scheduled to sail on Saturday night, but an additional Heysham round trip will now be operated to assist passengers. Additional crew have been sourced to allow the vessel to increase to her maximum passenger capacity on all sailings.

‘We would like to thank all those affected for their patience and understanding.’

A further update from the Steam Packet is not expected to be issued till tomorrow morning.