Royal Navy's only hospital ship banned from sailing as it's so decrepit it could sink
RFA Argus — which first saw action during the Falklands War in 1982 — underwent major repairs in April.
Navy chiefs want to send the ship back to Falmouth, Cornwall, for more urgent work.
But the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Lloyds insurers ruled the crew and other vessels would be at risk if Argus left her Solent mooring near Portsmouth.
A naval source said: 'This is what hollowed-out means.
"Argus has so many problems.
"There's no way they'll let her sail back for proper repairs.'
It is a humiliating blow to proud Royal Navy as its fleet sinks to an all time low.
Labour have axed seven warships – including two frigates – in their first year in office.
It leaves the Royal Navy fleet with just 15 prinipal warships, including five frigates, six defenders and two aircraft carriers.
Around half those are in dock for repairs.
A Royal Navy spokesman said talks were taking place with Lloyds and the Coastguard 'to address' issues with the 28,000-tonne vessel.
They added: 'There are no current plans for the ship to depart until all identified defects have been rectified.'
Putin's Navy plans are 'bonkers' as PR stunt highlights fatal flaws
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