Ferry ‘Manannan’ Faces Technical Issues During Crossings
The ferry ‘Manannan’ has encountered multiple technical difficulties during its recent voyages, affecting service between Liverpool and Douglas. Notably, on the night of October 26, 2026, the ferry experienced severe weather conditions that resulted in damage to several vehicles on board. The vessel also faced engine problems during its return journey on April 19, 2026, leading to emergency repairs.
Stormy Crossing Causes Vehicle Damage
On October 26, the ‘Manannan‘ embarked on its last journey of the year from Liverpool to Douglas at 7:15 PM. Midway through the crossing, the ferry encountered winds reaching force 7 to 8 and wave heights of approximately 2.7 meters. These turbulent conditions caused several vehicles on the car deck to break loose, resulting in damage.
In addition to the vehicle incidents, crew members detected smoke from one of the ferry’s main engines. Following safety protocols, the captain promptly shut down the affected engine and initiated a “Working Party Red” alert to summon the crew for assistance. Despite the challenging circumstances, the crew worked diligently to support passengers, providing sick bags and helping those who were feeling unwell. The ferry ultimately arrived in Douglas at 2 AM GMT on October 27, approximately four hours later than scheduled.