Passengers disembark and told Ben-my-Chree suffered engine failure

The captain of the Ben-my-Chree has told passengers the vessel was stranded in Douglas Harbour due to "engine failure".

That's according to passenger and Port St Mary resident Will Halsall, who says there was no fire and divers have ascertained that fishing gear was also not responsible.

Police and fire services were called out to deal with a 'technical problem' following its continued failure to manoeuvre into position in the harbour.

The scheduled 7:45pm sailing to Heysham and 2:15am crossing from Heysham to Douglas have been cancelled as a result.

The boat has been safely berthed for passengers to disembark using its starboard engine and a local tug boat.

Mr Halsall says people were kept well-informed, and no panic ensued.

A further sailings update will be issued at 7am tomorrow morning.