ORIGINAL: Scott_USN
Maybe I am wrong but don't heavily damaged ships go back to repair if you miss the day it is available?
Once it starts a turn in "readiness" mode, it is available. When you change it from pierside to readiness, you have to wait a turn.
If it enters port damaged badly enough, it will begin repairing in readiness mode but will be stuck until the necessary repairs that can be completed in readiness mode are done. I think this would include putting fires out and making some emergency flotation repairs.
Oops, I didn't answer your question, did I? [8|] I've never knowingly done that so I don't know. You are probably right, if the ship is badly damaged enough.