Ship stuck in the Isle of Man

A TALL ship has ran aground on a beach at the Isle of Man after leaving Annan.

Stormy weather caused the twin masted French Brigantine tall ship –La Malouine – to break free from its anchor near Ramsey Bay last week.

And it is likely to be stuck until the middle of May waiting for the next predicted high tides.

The ship was previously moored at Annan Harbour under the ownership of its captain Roy Kerr.

Following Roy’s death in February, the vessel was passed on to his children.

His son John plans to make Ramsey the ship’s new home, running it as a not for profit.

Speaking to Manx Radio, John said: “This was not the entrance I wanted the boat to make to the Isle of Man, I’m afraid. But with weather conditions, and various things, we’ve been caught out.”

He added: “I’m hoping to try and get a permanent berth in Ramsey. At the moment there’s no space available.

“Perhaps I can tie up something with the shipyard or the Isle of Man Government and Tourist Board get behind it and we can create a bit of a berth for it, then Ramsey would be its home port.”

A few repairs are needed to La Malouine, while John announced his intention to recruit volunteers to create a community around the boat.