The Ben-my-Chree’s prolonged stay in Heysham is due to damage sustained to the ship, not a technical issue.

A spokesman for the Steam Packet has said the ship sustained damage on its way into Heysham which led to its return sailing to the island being cancelled.

Divers are due to assess the damage later today.

The Ben was due to leave Heysham at 2.15am, but it is still docked in the Lancashire port with passengers being transferred to the Manannan which left the island for Liverpool at about 8am this morning.

Passengers who were due to travel on the Ben-my-Chree’s 2.15pm sailing from Heysham to Douglas are also being asked to head to Liverpool by 11.30am in order to transfer onto the 12.15pm sailing.