Eight Isle of Man Steam Packet Company sailings are at risk of disruption or cancellation as gale-force winds are forecast to affect the island later this week.

The crossings include services to and from Heysham, Liverpool and Larne on Friday, October 23, and an early-morning return sailing from Heysham on Saturday, October 24.

The Steam Packet has warned that adverse weather could affect the services, with final decisions to be made by the vessel’s master at different times on Thursday and Friday.

The first sailings under threat are the 6.45am Douglas to Larne crossing and the 10.45am return journey, both operated by Manannan. A decision on whether they will operate will be made by 5pm on Thursday.

The 8am Douglas to Heysham sailing and the 1.45pm return crossing, both operated by Ben-my-Chree, are also at risk. A decision on these services is expected by 6am on Friday.

Friday’s 3pm sailing from Douglas to Liverpool and the 7.15pm return crossing on Manannan could also be disrupted, with a decision due by 1pm on Friday.

The 7.30pm Douglas to Heysham sailing and the 2am Heysham to Douglas crossing on Saturday, both operated by Ben-my-Chree, are also at risk. A final decision on these services is expected by 5pm on Friday.

Passengers booked on the affected sailings can amend their bookings free of charge through their online accounts or by contacting the Steam Packet reservations team.

David Britton, a meteorological forecaster at the office, said winds were expected to reach gale force, with a risk of severe gales for a period.

A yellow weather warning for severe gales was considered highly likely to be issued later in the week, he said.

Mr Britton said Saturday was also expected to be windy, but conditions were forecast to be less severe, with winds reaching Force 6 at present.

He added that winds could reach gale force again on Sunday as a separate area of low pressure develops, potentially affecting sailings. However, he said confidence in that forecast remained low because conditions were changeable and unsettled.

The weekend forecast remains subject to change, with Friday currently presenting the clearest risk of significant weather-related travel disruption.

Passengers are advised to check the Steam Packet’s sailing status page for the latest updates before travelling.