HMS Prince of Wales ‘faces long spell in dry dock’ after breaking down

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

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

The Royal Navy on Monday night confirmed earlier reports that there was a fault with the starboard shaft and that it was likely the vessel will require repairs.

Rear Admiral 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 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."

The 65,000 ton ship has been moved from the Sandown anchorage to nearby Stokes Bay, a more sheltered area that would allow divers to conduct detailed inspections.

The Telegraph understands specialists from the Navy are still working to determine the significance of the fault and that returning HMS Prince of Wales to port – possibly including a lengthy inspection in a dry dock – has not been ruled out.

On Monday, the Royal Navy wrote on Twitter:

It added: “Right now our focus is on the ship and our people; everyone is working hard to understand the problem and what can be done next.”

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

That would be likely to impact 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 in September.

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

HMS Prince of Wales 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”.

Speaking ahead of the voyage, Captain Richard Hewitt, the Commanding Officer, said: “Taking the HMS Prince of Wales task group across the Atlantic for the rest of this year will not only push the boundaries of UK carrier operations, but will reinforce our close working relationship with our closest ally.”