Multiple Steam Packet sailings were impacted by persistent fog over the weekend.

Several sailings were ultimately affected.

A sailing to Heysham on Saturday was forced to turn around due to the fog, which persisted into Sunday.

The morning sailing from Douglas to Heysham on the latter day left the island at 9.06am, and was due to arrive into the English port at 12.50pm.

However, because of ’persistent dense fog’ the Ben-my-Chree was unable to enter the Lancashire port.

Tidal restrictions then meant that the master of the vessel had ’no alternative but to return Douglas’.

The ferry had departed as scheduled in the hope that conditions would have improved enough by midday to dock. As a result, the Heysham to Douglas sailing scheduled to depart at 2.15pm on Sunday afternoon was also cancelled.

To meet demand in the run-up to Christmas, the Steam Packet has chartered the return of MV Arrow.

The freight vessel is due to arrive in Heysham in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday), and over the next few days she will sail between Heysham and Douglas on five occasions to transport essential food and goods to the island community in time for the festive period.

This will free up additional capacity on overnight sailings for passengers with vehicles on the Ben-my-Chree.

Managing director Brian Thomson said: ’The level of fog we encountered over the weekend was unprecedented and I am told by a long-serving member of the team that they have not experienced it to this degree in more than 40 years.

’As a result of the disruption, we have ordered the Arrow to return which will allow us to release more car deck spaces on the Ben-my-Chree, as well as alleviate some of the freight pressure and provide extra support to ensure essential goods are delivered.

’The importance of ensuring passengers can get where they need to be at this time of year is clear and I am pleased to say everyone who has re-booked their travel has been able to do so in time for Christmas.

’The Steam Packet Company teams, both island-based and in Heysham, have worked tirelessly to make this happen and I would like to thank them for pulling out all the stops at such a critical time of year.’

Mr Thomson continued: ’While the staff have worked incredibly hard during unsociable hours to help passengers, the verbal abuse they received from a small number of travellers over the weekend, despite the situation being out of our control, is simply unacceptable.

’Hard-working front-line staff continue to work flat out to support travellers and should not be subjected to any form of abuse or intolerable behaviour.

’Good customer service is important for us and we are always striving to improve the way we deal with passengers, but in return we expect the same levels of courtesy.

’Thankfully the majority of our passengers were understanding of the situation and we wish them a Happy Christmas.’