Navy ship expected to leave port

A Royal Navy vessel moored in a port after its second mechanical failure in three weeks is due to depart.

HMS Illustrious is in Portland, Dorset, after a system separating oil from the ship's wastewater developed a fault. The ship first left Portsmouth on 21 January to carry out exercises in the Channel before its four-month diplomatic tour in the Indian Ocean. However, a faulty refrigeration unit meant it was forced back for repairs. It left again on 25 January. The visit to Portland was a planned trip despite the latest mechanical problems preventing the vessel returning to sea. In December 2004, HMS Illustrious returned to service after a £120m refit. The two-year revamp was designed to extend the working life of the 20,000-tonne ship by up to 10 years.
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