Investigation Launched After Leak On HMS Prince Of Wales

The Royal Navy has launched an investigation into a pipe leak which caused an ankle-high flood aboard HMS Prince of Wales.

A video of water pouring through the ceiling into an accommodation area of the 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier was posted on Facebook.

It is believed the leak took place on Friday while the £3 billion ship was at Portsmouth Naval Base.

A Royal Navy spokesman said: “Following a minor issue with an internal system on HMS Prince of Wales, the ship’s company were required to remove a small volume of water from the ship.

“An investigation into the cause is now under way but this will not affect the ship’s programme.”

It is understood the pipe was isolated quickly and the water was mopped up by the crew.

The leak comes after sister ship HMS Queen Elizabeth had to cut short sea trials last July – a seal burst, causing water to pour from a pipe and to flood through several decks.

Cover image: Library picture of HMS Prince of Wales (Picture: PA).