RFA Argus: Portsmouth departure cancelled due to weather conditions with no alternative sailing date listed

Primary Casualty Receiving Ship RFA Argus, operated by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), was scheduled to leave the naval base and head to Falmouth. She’s being towed from the city after an announcement last week which confirmed she would be retired after more than 40 years of loyal service.

Her departure was due to take place at 8am this morning (February 23), but little activity took place. The tug boats remained largely stationary as personnel could be seen climbing aboard and departing the 28,000 tonne ship.

A cluster of photographers, as well as current and retired RFA seafarers - some of whom served aboard the ship - stood on The Round Tower in Old Portsmouth waiting to see her for the last time. The News understands that her sailing was postponed due to high winds and choppy seas. A rescheduled sailing is planned, but an exact date and time has not been announced yet. There are currently no entries listed on the King’s Harbour Master shipping movements.

The Royal Navy announced on February 20 that RFA Argus’ service has come to an end. “RFA Argus has served the United Kingdom with distinction for more than 40 years, sailing around the world to support Royal Navy operations,” they said.

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“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. She will leave HMNB Portsmouth for the final time following four decades of loyal service to this country and our allies.”

The ship has not been operational since July 2025 after her safety certification was withdrawn. It was originally planned that she would return to sea, with dignitaries given a tour of the vessel in April. She conducted sea trials and other training serials, but these suddenly came to an end due to the ship’s state of disrepair.

The public spotted a white line painted along her hull in January, colloquially described as the “white mark of death”. Former RFA Argus Commanding Officer, Captain Simon Booth, previously said this was the sign that the ship will be laid up.

A definitive future for the ship has yet to be confirmed. Discussions have been held over whether she will be scrapped.