TB forces ship out of royal event

HMS Ocean can carry up to 1,270 servicemen

A Royal Navy vessel has been forced to pull out of a visit by the Queen after an onboard outbreak of tuberculosis.

She was due to mark the 250th anniversary of the Marine Society aboard HMS Ocean, berthed at Greenwich pier in south-east London.

The Plymouth-based helicopter carrier has been replaced after a second member of its personnel in two months was found with the respiratory disease.

HMS Albion will host the Queen's visit for next Friday's celebration.

The first crewman diagnosed with TB, an able seaman, was taken to hospital in Scotland in May and has made a full recovery, the Royal Navy said.

Disappointment and opportunity

The latest case, which was diagnosed on Wednesday, is being treated by doctors, he added.

The source of the infection is not known, but it is understood both men worked in the marine engineering department. The ship has not been quarantined.

"It is an enormous disappointment for the crew of Ocean," the spokesman said.

"But what is a disappointment for one ship's crew is a welcome opportunity for another."

Devonport-based Ocean is one of the three largest ships in the British fleet, alongside aircraft carriers Invincible and Illustrious. She can carry up to 1,270 servicemen.

Albion is an amphibious assault vessel.