New carrier’s US mission put at risk by breakdown

First voyage to America could be cancelled if fault forces HMS Prince of Wales into dry dock

‘It’s likely the fault will require repairs, which may impact the ship’s programme’

HMS Prince of Wales, the Royal Navy’s £3billion aircraft carrier, could be set for a lengthy inspection in a dry dock, The Daily Telegraph has learnt, as its “landmark mission” hangs in the balance because of a mechanical fault.

The warship was anchored off the south-east of the Isle of Wight yesterday, where it broke down on Sunday evening less than 24 hours after setting off for the United States.

The Navy said “everyone is working hard” to understand the source of the fault as the 65,000-ton ship was moved from the Sandown anchorage to nearby Stokes Bay, a more sheltered area in the Solent that would allow divers to conduct detailed inspections.

The Navy last night confirmed earlier reports that there was a fault with the starboard shaft, adding that it was likely the vessel would require repairs.

Rear-adml Steve Moorhouse, who is responsible for ensuring warships are ready to deploy, said: “Shortly after the ship sailed on Saturday, a mechanical fault was discovered with the starboard shaft.

“I’ve been to the ship today to see for myself what the issue is, and how we in the Royal Navy can work together to make sure that the ship can be successfully returned to her tasking.

“After the initial assessment, it’s likely the fault will require repairs, which may impact the ship’s programme.

“The ship is now moving to a more sheltered anchorage for further inspection. And then we’ll be able to provide further comments on the nature of the issue and the impact to her current schedule.

“We’ve reacted quickly to the emergent defect and are working closely with industry partners to resolve this as soon as we can.

“Rest assured, the Royal Navy continues to meet its commitments to deliver operations. And to keep the UK, our partners and allies safe.”

The Telegraph understands the Navy could return the carrier to port, possibly including a lengthy inspection in a dry dock.

Any protracted period of investigation is likely to affect the deployment and could see the ship’s first voyage to the US cancelled.

If so, it is likely to affect the Atlantic Future Forum, the annual gathering of senior politicians, military leaders and policy makers across Western nations, which is due to take place on board HMS Prince of Wales next month.

The event is hosted by Britain and this year will be co-chaired by the First Sea Lord, Adml Sir Ben Key, and Dame Karen Pierce, the UK’S ambassador to the US. Any cancellation would be an embarrassment for the Government and new prime minister.

The carrier is due to deploy to North America for four months on what the Navy describes as “a landmark mission to shape the future of stealth jet and drone operations off the coast of North America and in the Caribbean”.

The vessel is expected to visit New York, Halifax in Canada, and the Caribbean, as part of exercises alongside US allies “operating F-35B jets and uncrewed systems which will define Royal Navy aviation of the future”.