Steam Packet sailings cancelled as strong winds and rough seas forecast

Adverse weather expected to bring gales, heavy rain and very rough sea conditions

All Steam Packet sailings scheduled for tomorrow (11 January) have been cancelled because of forecast adverse weather, with strong winds and rough seas expected around the Irish Sea.

The operator says the disruption affects the morning Manxman crossing to Liverpool, its afternoon return journey, and the evening sailing to Heysham.

According to Ronaldsway Met Office, tomorrow is expected to be mostly wet and windy, with a strong to gale-force south-south-easterly wind and periods of rain, heavy at times.

Conditions are forecast to ease later in the evening, although it is expected to remain windy.

Temperatures are predicted to be milder, reaching around 10 or 11 degrees Celsius.

The shipping forecast for the next 24 hours warns of south or south-easterly winds at force six to gale force eight, veering south-west later.

Sea conditions are expected to be moderate or rough, building to mostly rough and later becoming rough or very rough.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has confirmed that an additional sailing to Heysham will operate this evening at 8pm, with bookings available through its website.

Sailings are currently expected to resume early on Monday morning, starting with the 1.45am departure from Heysham to Douglas, subject to conditions improving.