RFA Argus: Ex-Royal Navy support ship's expected departure from Portsmouth today is delayed
A workhorse of a ship which has served the Royal Navy for decades is about to leave Portsmouth for the last time - but her departure has been delayed.
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s RFA Argus has been alongside in the naval base since July last year, when her safety certificate was withdrawn and she was declared unsafe to sail. She’s due to be taken to Falmouth.
Argus was originally a container ship called MV Contender Bezant. She was requisitioned in 1982 for the Falklands War and then two years later bought to become an aviation training ship. Later, in the first Gulf War in 1991, she was used as a casualty ship and fulfilled this role during many humanitarian missions in later years.
She has a 100-bed medical complex on board which includes an emergency department, resuscitation and surgical facilities, and a radiology suite with a CT scanner.
She is being tugged from Portsmouth Harbour to the Nab tower. Listings from the King’s Harbourmaster still say Argus is leaving at 8am today, suggesting she will be tugged by Tempest, Bountiful, Independent and Indulgent. It has also been rumoured that her departure will be delayed due to wind, and that new details may be confirmed later in the week.
Previously the Royal Navy said: “RFA Argus has served the United Kingdom with distinction for more than 40 years, sailing around the world to support Royal Navy operations. She is also the last active ship to have served in the Falklands conflict.
“Her other service includes delivering vital humanitarian aid, enabling aviation training and providing lifesaving medical care to those in need. On Monday (February 23) she will leave HMNB Portsmouth for the final time following four decades of loyal service to this country and our allies.”
The ship’s future has not been publicly confirmed. It’s believed discussions have been taking place on the relative merits of scrapping her, or attempting a refurbishment.