Ben-my-Chree heading home

Today (December 30) the Ben-my-Chree began her trip back home to Douglas.

The ship is making her way back from Birkenhead after sustaining damage which resulted in her going into dry dock.

She left Birkenhead shortly after 11am and is due to be back in Manx waters for 5pm this afternoon.

Ben sustained damage

In November the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company confirmed that the Ben-my-Chree sustained minor damage to its hull, which resulted in the vessel going into dry dock for repairs. 

It sustained the damage during passage to Belfast for lay-up; which couldn’t be in Douglas due to the Department of Infrastructure’s ongoing works on the King Edward VIII pier in Douglas Harbour.

At the time of the incident, the Company said that following investigation of various options, it was apparent that repairs could not be carried out while the vessel was in the water.

Investigation

It said that an internal investigation was being undertaken into the circumstances surrounding the damage and the Company was working in collaboration with the Isle of Man Ship Registry, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Lloyds Register.

MV Arrow was put in place in order to provide “resilience” for the Company’s lifeline services.

Manx.news have contacted the Steam Packet Company to see what its plans for the vessel are once she is back.