The Sea Venture ferry will be out of operation today to undergo repairs after it suffered flooding yesterday due to a split in a bracket in the hull.

A fire crew was called to Dockyard at lunchtime yesterday to pump 100 gallons of water from the vessel after ferry staff were unable to get rid of the water quickly enough.

Director of Marine and Ports Ron Ross said yesterday that the split was in a rubber band in the bracket below the water line and the ferry was sent back to Hamilton to undergo repairs today.

Passengers at Dockyard suffered some delays as they waited for a replacement ferry to be sent.

Mr. Ross said it was expected that a smaller ferry will replace the Sea Venture on the Dockyard to Hamilton route today.