Falklands War relic RFA Argus to leave Portsmouth 'for final time' after decades of 'loyal service' - when
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A historic naval support ship which has been shackled alongside Portsmouth Naval Base for several months will be leaving the city for the final time.
RFA Argus, Primary Casualty Receiving Ship that served during the Falklands War in 1982, is scheduled to depart from HMNB Portsmouth on Monday (February 23). The Royal Navy confirmed the news in a social media statement, with the support ship being retired. Timings for when she's leave are expected to be published on the King’s Harbour Master shipping movements on Sunday.
“RFA Argus has served the United Kingdom with distinction for more than 40 years, sailing around the world to support Royal Navy operations,” the force said. “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.”
What will happen to RFA Argus?
RFA Argus has not been operational since July 2025. Her safety certification was withdrawn after the vessel was deemed to be unsafe to sail. The public spotted a white line painted along her hull last month, which defence enthusiasts colloquially described as the “white mark of death”.
Captain Simon Booth, who served in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary for 37 years, previously said this can be an indicator that a ship is going to be laid up - temporarily taken out of service. The Royal Navy’s announcement did not confirm any definitive decision on the future of RFA Argus. Discussions are believed to be ongoing to decide whether the 28,000 tonne ship will be scrapped due to her age, and the costs to fix her.
RFA Argus is a Primary Casualty Receiving Ship, designed to provide extensive medical care to sailors and marines at sea for a long period of time. She has a fully-equipped 100-bed medical complex on board; including an emergency department, resuscitation and surgical facilities, and a radiology suite complete with a CT scanner.
Formerly a commercial vessel called MV Contender Bezant, she was requisitioned in 1982 for service in the Falklands War. Since then she has been deployed extensively across the globe, but fell into a state of disrepair - noticed by officials from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and Lloyds Register.
Capt Booth previously said: “It’s a unique capability we’re going to lose. They like the idea of replacing it with a hospital on a Bay-class landing ship (LSDA), but it’s nothing like the same. Not even close. If you take the Royal Marines into a combat situation, you need something to look after them. That’s what RFA Argus is. We’ve been talking about possibly replacing her or not for more than 20 years, but they’ve done nothing about it. They have always kicked it into the long grass.”