The Steam Packet’s back up vessel the Arrow is en route for Heysham to collect freight, as the Ben-my-chree remains stuck in port.

The company has warned that all Ben-my-chree sailings may be disrupted through the weekend after the boat was damaged.

After suffering damage on the way into Heysham, the Ben has stayed in the Lancashire port with all sailings today cancelled and passengers transferred to the Manannan’s Liverpool sailings.

The Arrow is shown on tracking website Ship AIS as having left the Northern Irish port of Larne bound for Heysham earlier today,

An update from the company shows all Friday sailings cancelled, including the 2.15am sailing from Heysham to the island on Saturday morning.

The schedule 8.45am departure from Douglas to Heysham, and all subsequent Ben-my-chree scheduled sailings up to and including Sunday’s 2.15am sailing from Heysham to the island, have been listed as subject to cancellation or disruption.

It isn’t yet clear what has happened to the Ben-my-chree, although the company has said divers are due to examine the vessel today and an update is due early this evening.

Anyone with bookings on these sailings it asked to contact the Steam Packet on 661661.