Stormy weather has affected freight traffic to the Isle of Man as gale force winds threaten the island. Essential supplies of medicines and foodstuffs have been stopped, and one of the ferries needs essential repairs.
The ferry company had been unable to charter a replacement freight vessel in the short term, as it is difficult to manoeuvre in the small harbour at Douglas. One ferry carrying 50+ trailers managed the crossing on 7 December with vital supplies after the build up of freight at Heysham the previous week.