World · Europe · 1 hr ago
HMS Protector towed to Devonport after engine defect
The Royal Navy’s only ice patrol ship, HMS Protector, was towed to Devonport after a defect at sea.
The ship is 25 years old and had spent much of the past year in dock or undergoing work in the UK.
The Navy is investigating the defect and has not decided the ship’s immediate future.
One account says the damage may be too costly to repair, while the Navy says Protector remains part of the fleet for now.
The ship usually patrols the South Atlantic and supports the Falkland Islands, and it has also carried out missions in polar waters.
Its absence leaves the UK without an ice patrol ship, which could affect its Antarctic duties and polar operations.
The Navy plans to replace Protector with a more modern ship, but says any immediate decision will come in due course.
HMS Protector, the Royal Navy’s only ice patrol ship, was towed to Devonport after a defect.
The Royal Navy said investigations into the defect would take place and that the ship remains part of the fleet.
The Herald and Vedomosti describe the problem as a double engine defect, while Navy Lookout refers to a defect.
The Royal Navy will assess whether the ship can be repaired, and its future remains uncertain.
If it cannot be repaired, a replacement may not be available until the 2030s, according to The Herald and Vedomosti.
- Who
- HMS Protector, the Royal Navy’s only ice patrol ship.
- What
- It was towed to Devonport after a defect. The Royal Navy is investigating.
- When
- 13 October 2026. Vedomosti reports that the breakdown happened that morning.
- Where
- Devonport, in Plymouth.
- Why
- The sources say the ship suffered a defect, described by some as a double engine defect. The cause is not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
HMS Protector entered dry dock at UK Docks on Teesside for its five-yearly docking.
The ship left the dock.
HMS Protector sailed and returned to Devonport on 12 December for trials ahead of deployment.
The ship was towed to Devonport after suffering a defect.
- Ship
- HMS Protector, the Royal Navy’s only ice patrol ship
- Destination
- Devonport, Plymouth
- Reported breakdown date
- 13 October 2026
- Crew
- 88 people
- Replacement outlook
- Could be delayed until the 2030s if the ship cannot be repaired
3 sources
What people are saying
HMS Protector has returned to her home port of Devonport while investigations into a defect take place.
really important capability
catastrophic failure
poor timing