Navy flotilla 'decimated by Covid outbreak after sailors went raving in Cyprus'

The Navy's most powerful flotilla since the Falklands War has been decimated by Covid-19 after sailors went raving in Cyprus, it has been reported.

Part of the crew tested positive for the virus after stopping by the city of Limassol.

It is believed the people who tested positive include at least 100 crew aboard the HMS Queen Elizabeth, who have already received two doses of a coronavirus jab.

It is not clear how many of the 3,700-strong crew contracted the virus, but a Navy spokesperson said it was only "a small number".

Sources said nobody needed urgent treatment and the number of infections is starting to fall.

The group visited Limassol, Cyprus (Cpl Lee Matthews/RAF/TNG)

The ships, however, will have to stay at sea for at least another three weeks.

If the virus continues to spread, their next port calls could be postponed, The Sun reports.

Captain Steve Moorhouse urged the crews to take daily tests and try to avoid contact with other people as much as possible, for example avoiding to go for dinner all at the same time.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said that only a small number of crew tested positive and measures including regular tests, social distancing and a test and trace system have been put in place.

F-35B Lightning II aircraft on the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth while it was moored at the port of Limassol (REUTERS)

They added: "The Carrier Strike Group will continue to deliver their operational tasks and there are no effects on the deployment."

A defence source said affected personnel are being looked after by medical staff and are isolating on their ships.

At Christmas, the crew of a Royal Navy warship have been forced to return to shore and isolate after an outbreak of coronavirus on board.

HMS Northumberland, which is designed to hunt for submarines, had been on call to protect UK waters over the festive period.

The Type 23 frigate was forced to return to Devonport Naval Base, near Plymouth, two days before Christmas.

A Royal Navy spokeswoman said: "Following a number of suspected Covid cases onboard HMS Northumberland, the crew are now following health guidelines and protocols to isolate.

"The Royal Navy continues to meet all operational tasks over Christmas, as it has done throughout this pandemic."