Dougie Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 (edited) BmC sitting in Heysham harbour facing inwards. Can't turn round to allow disembarkation because it's too rough! Probably scared of ramming the harbour wall (again!) Edited October 22, 2017 by Dougie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Wright Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 13 minutes ago, Dougie said: BmC sitting in Heysham harbour facing inwards. Can't turn round to allow disembarkation because it's too rough! Probably scared of ramming the harbour wall (again!) It's not rough in Heysham Harbour. It is however extremely windy. High speed gusts. That makes manoeuvring dangerous without a tug, which neither Peel Ports, nor the Steam Packet pay to have on standby. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Non-Believer Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 Just now, John Wright said: It's not rough in Heysham Harbour. It is however extremely windy. High speed gusts. That makes manoeuvring dangerous without a tug, which neither Peel Ports, nor the Steam Packet pay to have on standby. Given Peel Ports usual approach to matters Steam Packet, it's a wonder they don't have a tug on standby 24/7/52 with the Packet paying for it.... 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JOE450 Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 2 hours ago, Non-Believer said: Given Peel Ports usual approach to matters Steam Packet, it's a wonder they don't have a tug on standby 24/7/52 with the Packet paying for it.... Nearest tug is probably in Liverpool anyway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dougie Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 He's finally plucked up the courage to turn it round. Docked 6 hours late and offloading. Overnight trips cancelled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manximus Aururaneus Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 I don't blame the individual Ships Masters for treating that harbour cautiously - getting caught out with any mechanical hiccup part way through a broadside-on manoeuvre in there (in windy conditions) would leave very few options. Not even time / space to chuck the pick out. But to be unable to turn inside there in what was after all only F6 for much of the afternoon shows a significant mis-match between the vessel and the port facilities (much the same applies in Douglas). Most of the other Irish sea ferries seemed to be running ok (on AIS). Given the recent approaches to IOMG from the SPCo, surely now is the optimal time to be setting up a properly qualified working group to undertake a root and branch assessment of future needs before even thinking about contractural agreements to run a service. Design the service first, then think about operating contracts. It's not very often that I advocate more public expenditure - but this is genuinely a scenario that will affect the Island for generations to come - we need to define the best service level to suit our needs, determine the best sailing times to suit the users (who the bloody hell wants to arrive in the UK when everything is shutting or sit on a Quayside at 2am!) then design and commission the correct boats and correct infrastructure to provide that. So much on the Island absolutely depends on that ferry, food, goods, services, people, TT, tourism..... Do it once, do it properly, take a 100 year view because harbours last at least that long if properly built. It is perhaps the one issue (far, far, more important than the Prom and suchlike) that should receive public backing for a properly resourced, properly designed, convenient safe and reliable service. Not overfunded, but properly funded taking a long-term view. IMHO 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dougie Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 Spot on, Manximus. What we have is simply not good enough - both residents and visitors deserve better. BmC currently racing back to the island at 16 knots! Saving fuel, knowing that tonight's sailing has been cancelled? With luck the passengers who presumably arrived at Heysham soon after mid-day, expecting to sail at 1415 will arrive here before midnight - but don't hold your breath. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lcd Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 And manannan held up to let the Ben berth first! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swoopy2110 Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 Seacat currently taking over 5 hours to get to Liverpool. Doing only 13knts Stopped for ages before. Return sailing currently delayed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody2 Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 welcome to the 3rd world...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bellefield Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 50 minutes ago, swoopy2110 said: Seacat currently taking over 5 hours to get to Liverpool. Doing only 13knts Stopped for ages before. Return sailing currently delayed. I heard, off one of the passengers, that the seacat hit a pier again, not sure how true it is though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bellefield Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 reason for delay on their website is Quote This sailing has been delayed due to a technical issue. Passengers are asked to check in no later than 2000hrs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swoopy2110 Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 Now down to 8knots.. ETA leaving at 1030pm arriving at 3am Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tempus Fugit Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 it's taking nearly as long as getting through airport security 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tempus Fugit Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 I see our national broadcaster's news team are asleep Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.