Insurance companies still dealing with bill from 'challenging' Manannan sailing

Final costs of resolving injury and damage still awaited

Final costs of resolving injury and damage caused during a Manannan sailing in October last year have not yet been assessed.

Treasury says the matter remains with the relevant insurance companies following the crossing on 26 October.

Passengers described ‘chaotic’ scenes aboard the vessel as it made its last journey of the season from Liverpool to the Isle of Man.

Sea conditions on the evening were ‘significantly rougher’ than expected and wave heights exceeded those forecast.

It led to passengers sustaining injuries and vehicles being damaged.

During the sailing smoke was also detected coming from one of the main engines; this led to it being shut down and all crew members being called to muster.

The Steam Packet Company later thanked its staff for working ‘tirelessly’ during the ‘challenging crossing’.  

You can find out more HERE.

In Tynwald this month Minister Chris Thomas was asked to provide a breakdown of the costs of compensating passengers and staff and of damage to the vessel.

It followed a question from Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse.

He also wanted to know how the risks associated with the sailing were assessed and whether an independent review had been undertaken of the risk assessment process.

In response Minister Thomas said the risks were assessed by the master before departure.

This was in accordance with the vessel’s regulatory and port requirements and own safety procedures.

It was determined that the wave height was within the limits allowed by the Isle of Man Ship Registry.

Passengers were advised, as they boarded, about safe movement around the vessel and the need to remain seated; additional announcements were also made during the sailing.

Additional lashings were applied to some vehicles, over and above requirements, in anticipation for the expected motion.

The reduction in available power, caused by the faulty engine, affected the handling of the vessel in the prevailing conditions.

After the crossing the Steam Packet Company undertook an internal investigation in addition to one carried out onboard by the vessel’s safety officer; this was provided to the Ship Registry.

The incident was also reported to the regulator in accordance with the Isle of Man Merchant Shipping reporting requirements.

No separate independent review of the risk assessment process has been undertaken.