Ferry sailings brought forward due to gales

A number of ferry sailings have been brought forward ahead of forecasted gale force winds overnight.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said sailings between Douglas and Liverpool and Lancashire had been affected.

Ronaldsway Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning from 21:00 until 04:00 BST with wind speeds forecasted to go up to 55mph (88.5km/h).

Ferry firm managing director Brian Thomson said with thousands of TT fans due to travel, the firm could not "take the risk" of potential cancellations, which would have "serious knock on effects".

He said while the firm appreciated leaving early was "the last thing" TT visitors would want to do, the changes would make sure as many people as possible "get to where they need to go", he added.

The changes saw the Manannan's Monday afternoon crossing to Liverpool pulled forward to 05:00 BST, with the 18:15 return to Douglas moved to 09:15.

The fast craft Manannan's planned 22:45 journey to Liverpool is now set to leave at 13:45, with Tuesday's 02:45 overnight return brought forward to 17:45 on Monday.

The incoming weather conditions also led to the Manxman's 08:45 sailing on Monday departing 30 minutes early, with the 14:15 return now scheduled for 13:00.

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