Freight vessel brought in after sailing disruption

The MV Arrow has freed up capacity on the Ben-my-Chree for re-bookings.

The MV Arrow has been brought in to help the Steam Packet Company re-book passengers affected by sailing disruption last weekend.

Heavy fog meant the Ben-My-Chree couldn't dock in Heysham on Saturday or Sunday.

A spokesman said the Arrow is due to arrive in Heysham this morning (Tuesday) to begin the first of five trips between the island and Lancaster.

She'll be transporting food and goods for the festive period, freeing up capacity on the Ben-my-Chree to meet re-booking demand. 

Steam Packet Company Managing Director Brian Thomson said: "The Steam Packet Company teams, both Island-based and in Heysham, have worked tirelessly to make this happen and I would like to thank them for pulling out all the stops at such a critical time of year.

"While the staff have worked incredibly hard during unsociable hours to help passengers, the verbal abuse they received from a small number of travellers over the weekend, despite the situation being out of our control, is simply unacceptable.

"Hard-working front-line staff continue to work flat out to support travellers and should not be subjected to any form of abuse or intolerable behaviour.

"Good customer service is important for us and we are always striving to improve the way we deal with passengers, but in return we expect the same levels of courtesy.

"Thankfully the majority of our passengers were understanding of the situation and we wish them a Happy Christmas".