 The ship's first incarnation was built at Barrow-in-Furness. |
An historic shipping route has been revived for one day only, to mark the long-time connection between West Cumbria and the Isle of Man. The Steam Packet Company is the world's oldest continuously operating passenger ship firm, formed in 1830.
Lady of Mann was sailing to Barrow on Wednesday, where the first incarnation of the ship was built in 1930, to mark the company's centenary.
It is part of a series of celebrations on the company's 175th anniversary.
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Steam Packet Company spokesman Geoff Corkish said: "We're visiting some of the parts that have featured in our long history. We had three vessels built at Barrow's Vickers Armstrong yard.
"It's a nostalgic visit. Our first Lady of Mann was built at the yard in 1930 and came on the back of the stock market collapse in 1929.
"Most of the yard's workforce had been laid off in the recession that followed and only key men had been kept on. The ship's construction was very special for them.
"It was one of the largest vessels we've ever had. She was able to travel at 22 knots and able to carry 2,873 passengers."
The ship was making the journey twice on Wednesday. More than 600 people booked tickets for the event.
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