Steering problem for Ark Royal

HMS Ark Royal and Invincible at sea

The main rudder on the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal failed as it sailed out to sea, the Royal Navy has revealed.

The vessel, which has just undergone a major refit at Rosyth dockyard, was in the Firth of Forth when the incident happened.

A spokeswoman for the Navy said a tug accompanying the Ark Royal was asked to attach a line to the vessel as a precuationary measure.

She said the failure happened about a mile from the Forth Road Bridge and dismissed reports that the carrier was in danger of hitting the bridge.

HMS Ark Royal: Rudder failed

The £147m refit of the navy's flagship was completed 10 days ago and was inspected by Chancellor Gordon Brown before she set sail.

Captain David Snelson, who leads the Ark Royal's crew of almost 600, said at the time that the completion of work was "a moment of immense satisfaction and pride".

Five hundred people worked on the refit which extended the ship's lifespan by 15 years until the expected arrival of a new generation of super carriers.

The carrier is taking part in three weeks of trials in the North Sea after which it will return to Fife before recommencing operations.

'Major contract'

Meanwhile, the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Invincible will arrive at Rosyth Dockyard on Wednesday for her £60m refit programme.

Defence Minister Lewis Moonie said: "Invincible's arrival marks the next phase of the carrier refit programme.

"Babcock did an excellent job on Ark Royal, completing the work in time and to budget, and whilst the refit of Invincible is a smaller project we are delighted to be securing employment at Rosyth."

Babcock Engineering Services managing director Murray Easton said: "We are delighted at receiving this contract as it is of major importance to Babcock.

"It is also testament to the tremendous skill and quality of the workforce at Rosyth that the ministry are placing this major contract with us."