Fleet flagship heads to dry dock

The Ben My Chree had a complete overhaul two years ago

The flagship of the Isle of Man Steam Packet company, Ben My Chree, is going into a dry dock after its propellers were damaged by fishing gear.

The work will be carried out on the ferry from 6 to 9 January.

Mark Woodward, chief executive, said: "It is vital that we repair the problem now in order to prevent more major and lengthy repairs in the future."

The ferry is expected to return to its weekend Liverpool to Birkenhead sailings on Saturday 10 January.

The damage happened earlier this year due to fishing equipment in the approach to Douglas Harbour.

'Repairs necessary'

The Viking will re-enter service to cover scheduled daytime passenger services to Heysham.

There will be no overnight passenger sailings, but a freighter is being chartered to ensure continuity of service for freight customers.

Affected passengers will be contacted.

Mr Woodward said: "We would not be taking this action unless we felt it was necessary.

"The first week following New Year is a traditionally quiet period for us, and allows us to undertake the necessary work with the minimum disruption to services."

Two years ago Ben-My-Chree had a £1m overhaul.