Manannan
On the night of October 26, the 96 meter long catamaran ro-ro passenger ferry Manannan (IMO: 9176072) sustained damage on the Irish Sea. The Manannan departed from Liverpool bound for Douglas, Isle of Man on its final voyage for the season loaded with passengers and vehicles. As the high speed ferry proceeded down the Mersey, there was indications of a rough crossing. Winds were blowing over a force 7 (~35 mph) and the forecast of waves heights of 2.7 meters. Even with precautions taken and conditions still within operational limits of the Manannan, the rough seas resulted in damaging vehicles on the car deck. Damages to the individual vehicles were not disclosed, but reports state some 40 vehicles sustained some damage. Majority passengers on board suffered sea sickness and some reports of minor injuries.
When the Manannan arrived in Douglas, some passengers were taken by ambulance. Due to the pounding of the sea, the vehicles on the car deck had dislodged and could not be offloaded immediately. Passengers would have to wait to the following morning before they could pickup the vehicle and get an assessment on damages. Reports stated that conditions on the Irish Sea were far beyond the forecasted. No indication that any further inquiries will be taken on the incident.
