The Steam Packet’s flagship vessel returned to the island ahead of schedule on Sunday after repair works in Cornwall.

It was due to start services today (Tuesday).

Ben-my-Chree was away in Falmouth having suffered propeller damage while entering Heysham Port on August 27, leading to the company having to cancel services and bring in back up freight vessel the MV Arrow.

The Ben had not been expected to return to service until Friday, September 11. However, repairs could be completed ahead of schedule as the Steam Packet already had spare propeller blades in stock.

Steam Packet chief executive Mark Woodward said: ’I would like to thank our team for their efforts to ensure dry-dock repairs were completed swiftly, along with the engineers and divers who initially inspected the vessel and the team at A&P shipyard in Falmouth who carried out the repairs.

’I would like to thank our passenger and freight customers for their understanding during this short unscheduled dry-docking.’