Ferry disruption as severe gales set to return

Passengers have been warned of disruption to ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire due to gales over the Irish Sea.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said the evening and overnight Manxman sailings due later had been cancelled and Friday's schedule had been overhauled due to the conditions.

The firm said the 08:00 crossing to Heysham would instead depart for Liverpool at 13:00 GMT.

Friday's later sailings have been cancelled, with the vessel due to make its way to the Lancashire port before returning to the island in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Ronaldsway Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for severe gales from 06:00 and 15:00 on Friday, with gusts of up to 60mph (97km/h) possible.

Forecasters said as well as off-island travel, the conditions could result in fallen trees or branches, leading to potential issues on the roads.

While the weather is expected to be more settled on Saturday, all of Sunday's sailings face potential disruption with severe gales set to return bringing gusts of up to 70mph (113km/h).

Monday's 01:45 Heysham to Douglas crossing is also subject to possible disruption.

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