Steam Packet sailings have been disrupted.

The Ben-my-Chree suffered a cylinder head sheared stud this morning, which required a replacement to be fitted before returning from Heysham at 2.15pm.

Engineers originally estimated this would delay her return until around 6pm this evening. However, as repair work progressed it became apparent that further repairs were necessary. The estimated time of departure is now 11pm although this is subject to confirmation.

Manannan has been brought in to take the Ben-my-Chree’s scheduled sailing at 7.45pm Sunday with a revised departure time from Douglas at 10.45pm, latest check in will be 9.45pm.

The overnight departure at 2am on Monday will also be operated by the Manannan and is expected to depart on time with an arrival back in Douglas at 4.30am.

The official website www.steam-packet.com/LatestSailings has been updated to reflect these changes.

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward said: ‘We apologise to our passengers whose travel plans have been disrupted as a result of this unfortunate incident. We will do all we can to minimise the disruption and to get services back to normal as soon as possible.’