Catherine Nicoll

Motorcycle racer Sam Naughton, 37, from Castletown on the Isle of Man, died in a crash at Doran's Bend during qualifying for the Manx Grand Prix. The Andreas Racing Association, Southern 100 Club and Castletown Metropolitan Football Club paid tribute to his determination, passion for racing, community service and work as a junior football coach. Naughton, who began racing in 2020 and competed in Southern 100 events from 2024, is survived by his wife Charlotte, four children, family and friends.

Sam Naughton, a 37-year-old rider from Castletown, Isle of Man, died in a crash at Doran’s Bend during qualifying for the 2026 Manx Grand Prix. He was the second competitor killed during qualifying, following Mauro Poncini’s death at Ramsey the previous day. Qualifying is scheduled to continue, with the events due to conclude on 28 August.

Mauro Poncini, a 29-year-old Swiss motorcycle racer from Caslano, died after a two-rider crash during qualifying for the 2026 Manx Grand Prix at Cruickshanks in Ramsey. Race organizers and the Swiss Moto Federation paid tribute to his experience, dedication and character. The crash prompted a multi-agency investigation, and a nearby road was closed for more than three hours. The Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT events are scheduled to continue through 28 August on the Mountain Course.

Thousands of fans travelling to the Isle of Man for the Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix have been urged to secure their motorcycles and valuables at ferry ports and campsites. Police also warned riders about speeding, noting that 64 people were dealt with for speeding during the previous year’s events, and reminded drone users that flying near the Mountain Course during qualifying and racing road closures is illegal and dangerous.

The MV Arrow, a back-up freight vessel serving the Isle of Man, will enter a week-long dry dock in Birkenhead after an oil leak was found in one of its controllable-pitch propeller systems. The vessel had been brought back into service while the main passenger ferry, Manxman, undergoes repairs. The former flagship Ben-my-Chree will continue passenger and freight services between the island and Heysham, with the Arrow expected to return on 16 August.

Road closures across the Isle of Man are planned from 7 to 15 August 2026 to support filming of the Amazon MGM feature film Isle of Man, which stars Channing Tatum and Eve Hewson and lists Brad Pitt as a producer. Restrictions will affect sections of the TT course, including the A18 Mountain Road, with one closure lasting from Monday morning to Tuesday evening. Contingency closures are planned if weather or other delays disrupt production. Residents and businesses in affected areas have been given access information, while filming follows earlier work during the June TT races and precedes the 2026 Manx Grand Prix and Classic TT.

Heather Lea, whose parents and younger sister died in the 1973 Summerland fire on the Isle of Man, says the verdict of death by misadventure remains unjust. The island’s first deemster dismissed an appeal against the Attorney General’s rejection of an application for fresh inquests, but the Justice for Summerland group says it will continue campaigning. Relatives and survivors also criticised the Isle of Man government over its handling of the disaster’s aftermath and the long-term derelict state of the site. Memorial services are being held to mark the 53rd anniversary of the fire, which killed 50 people.

The Isle of Man’s First Deemster, Andrew Corlett, dismissed a challenge to the Attorney General’s refusal to order fresh inquests into the deaths of 50 people in the 1973 Summerland fire. The court found the decision reasonable, legally sound and based on relevant considerations, while declining to award legal costs because of the case’s exceptional circumstances. The Justice for Summerland group, represented by Jackie Hallam, said its campaign would continue and that it intended to seek permission for a further appeal.

Thirteen herring gulls in Peel were found coated in an orange oil-like substance, prompting concern from Manx Wild Bird Aid, which said the recurring issue has affected local wildlife since 2022. The charity warned the contamination is likely to be fatal for many birds due to hypothermia and drowning risks. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has begun investigating and urged the public to report any affected birds.

Herring gulls in Peel on the Isle of Man were found covered in an orange, fish‑smelling oil, raising concerns among conservationists. Manx Wild Bird Aid reported 13 birds had been collected for cleaning, with others still affected and difficult to retrieve, warning that the substance threatens the birds’ survival by impairing insulation and buoyancy. The issue has recurred since 2022, and the charity criticised the lack of progress. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture said it is investigating and committed to preventing further incidents.