A life raft was deployed during a crossing on board the Steam Packet vessel Manannan on a crossing to Liverpool.

But passengers had no cause to panic as the inflatable raft was activated by accident when the vessel docked at Liverpool quayside.

Steam Packet Company boss Mark Woodward said a manual release line had been caught as the vessel berthed in rough seas, causing the raft to inflate.

Mr Woodward said: ’Manannan suffered some damage whilst berthing in heavy weather at Liverpool which exposed the manual release painter line of one of her life rafts.

’This became caught on the berth’s fendering and triggered a manual release of the life raft.’

The painter line is a type of rip-cord pulled to trigger the raft’s emergency inflation.

In fact, the loss of one life raft had not affected the Manannan’s sailing schedule, Mr Woodward said.

’The life raft is being checked and repacked and is expected back in service by Thursday (today).

’However, Manannan carries life rafts for passenger numbers well above her passenger limit, so even without this raft she is still able to sail at full capacity.

’Isle of Man Ship Registry is aware of the situation and has confirmed approval for Manannan to continue operating during the period the additional life raft is being repaired,’ he added.

The incident happened at 5.25am on Monday, June 12. Poor weather had meant changes to the schedule, so Manannan had left the Isle of Man for Liverpool at 2.20am.

There was no delay caused to the schedule because of this incident.

Photographs of the incident appeared soon afterwards in social media, sparking a number of questions and comments, such as: ’Anyone know how this happened? I’m surprised they let Manannan sail minus one of her life rafts unless of course they had a spare.’

Bad weather this year caused a number of delays and rough crossings for TT visitors, however many passengers used social media to praise the way problems were handled.

Positive comments included: ’Hats off to the captain and all crew it was a very rough crossing. Crew were walking around checking everyone was okay, thanks very much,’ and:

’Travelled back Saturday, staff were very good considering the conditions.’