Extra vessel for TT sea traffic

The vessel will give scope for last-minute bookings

An extra freighter is being used to help ease the burden of sea traffic for the Isle of Man TT races.

Isle of Man Steam Packet is using the freighter Merchant Brilliant for the end of practice week.

It can carry extra freight, leaving more free places for passengers on its ferry services, especially any last minute bookings, the firm said.

The vessel will also be used at the end of the TT to bring back extra fairground traffic from the island.

Mark Woodward, chief executive, said: "Although the additional freighter will be surplus to requirements in terms of capacity, it will provide additional resilience and improved service for our freight customers during this busy time.

"She will also free up additional vehicle deck space on Ben-my-Chree for any late bookings passengers that want to travel."