Manxman cancelled yesterday due to the activation of the vessel’s sprinkler system.

The Steam Packet company has confirmed that yesterday evenings Douglas to Heysham service was cancelled due to activation of the boats sprinkler system.

An initial investigation suggests the system was triggered automatically following the failure of an air conditioning unit.

The unit released refrigerant gas that was detected by the vessel's sensors leading to the sprinklers activating.

Steam Packet Company Managing Director Brian Thomson has apologised for the cancellations, saying safety is their first priority and they're investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.