The Manannan sailing between Liverpool and Douglas which was scheduled to depart in the early hours of Friday morning has been cancelled.

The Steam Packet has made the decision because of forecast adverse weather conditions.

A statement from the ferry operator added: ‘Passengers with online accounts may amend their booking by logging into our website.

‘Our reservations team will be happy to help customers who require assistance changing their bookings; to speak to a member of staff, please call 661661 (IoM) or 08722 992992 (UK). Phone lines will stay open until 7pm. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.’

The Manannan was delayed earlier in the day with passengers unable to disembark for an hour because conditions were too rough in the Mersey.

The fastcraft is en route back to the island at the moment and is due to depart the island again for Liverpool at 8.15pm, with the return sailing due to leave Merseyside just before midnight.