Navy warship commander leaves ship over affair claims

Investigation launched after Sarah West, first female commander of major warship, allegedly had relationship with shipmate

The first female commander of a major Royal Navy warship has left her vessel after claims she had an affair with a shipmate.

Commander Sarah West, 42, took charge of Type 23 frigate HMS Portland in May 2012.

It is understood she has left the ship while the navy investigates the claims. Her second-in-command has taken over the running of the vessel, but West is still the commanding officer.

HMS Portland sailed from Plymouth in January and is in the latter stages of a seven-month deployment which has included Europe, Africa, South and North America. According to a marine traffic website, the ship's last known position was the port of San Juan, Puerto Rico, on 19 July.