British aid ship RFA Sir Galahad’s entry to the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr has been delayed by the discovery of mines in vicinity of the harbour.

The landing ship is carrying more than 200 tonnes of aid, including basic food, bottled water and World Health Organisation medical packs, and she has been on standby for several days as a ten-strong force of mine countermeasures vessels (MCMVs), and teams of divers, have worked round the clock to clear the waterways and port of mines.

She was due into the port today, but her move has been delayed by 24 hours while further sweeps are carried out.

The mines were discovered by HMS Blyth and HMS Ledbury in a canal near Umm Qasr.

The ten ships include four other British MCMVs – HM ships Sandown, Bangor, Grimsby and Brocklesby – and four US Navy ships, working with British, American and Australian divers.

It is now hoped that Sir Galahad can sail into the Iraqi port tomorrow.