Dense fog has caused the Ben-my-Chree to abandon its attempts to dock at Heysham this afternoon - meaning passengers will return to where they started after nine hours at sea.

Originally due to be in the Lancashire port just after 12.30pm, the boat was forced to wait outside Heysham in the hope that the fog, which was making it impossible to attempt an entrance into the port, would lift.

Unfortunately due to tidal restrictions at the port after 2.30pm, the master of the vessel had no alternative but to return to Douglas, the estimated time of arrival into Douglas being 5.30pm.

The return to Douglas has obviously led to the cancellation of the sailing from Heysham to the island, which was due to leave at 2.15pm. Tonight’s 7.45pm sailing from the island to Heysham is scheduled to go ahead as planned.

If you have been affected by this, either by being stuck on the boat or facing a long wait in Heysham? Please contact us at [email protected]