Leaky ships

SIR – Much is being said about the leaking stern tube aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth (report, December 19).

As a senior captain in the Merchant Navy, commanding ships far larger than Queen Elizabeth, I discovered that the stern tube will always leak to some extent.

One such vessel had a leaking stern tube, and the seal around the propellor shaft was replaced while the vessel was afloat. No crisis was declared. Captain J V Wallace (retd)

Herne Bay, Kent

SIR – It’s bad luck that the new aircraft carrier leaks. I served in two carriers, both of which floated.

Another difference with the modern version is that we carried aircraft. Lt-cdr Nicholas Bradshaw RN (retd) Kingsbridge, Devon