The UK’s greatest warship has damaged down off the south coast shortly after setting sail on what had been billed as a “landmark mission” to the United States.
HMS Prince of Wales, the second of the Royal Navy’s two plane carriers, was experiencing an “emerging mechanical issue”, a spokesperson mentioned. The drawback is being investigated.
The £3bn provider, which turned totally operational solely final yr, is reportedly anchored south east of the Isle of Wight whereas the investigation is carried out.
“HMS Prince of Wales remains in the South Coast Exercise Area while conducting investigations into an emerging mechanical issue,” the Royal Navy spokesperson mentioned.
The drawback was first reported by UK Defence Journal, a web-based information web site centered on defence points, which cited unconfirmed studies about harm to the starboard propeller shaft.
A second specialist information web site, Navy Lookout, mentioned the 65,000-tonne warship had suffered a “significant technical fault”.
“Should the issue prove to be serious it goes without saying that this is extremely unfortunate and not a good look for the RN [Royal Navy],” it reported.
The warship had departed from close by Portsmouth on Saturday on what was described by the Royal Navy as a mission to “shape the future of stealth jet and drone operations off the coast of North America and in the Caribbean”.
The journey – supplied it goes forward – is ready to see the provider go to New York, Halifax in Canada and the Caribbean, working fifth era F-35 quick jets off the deck in addition to drones.
Commanding Officer, Captain Richard Hewitt, mentioned in a press release to mark the departure – and previous to the mechanical glitch: “Taking the HMS Prince of Wales task group across the Atlantic for the rest of this year will not only push the boundaries of UK carrier operations, but will reinforce our close working relationship with our closest ally.
“From working the F35 Lightnings and drones to internet hosting the Atlantic Future Forum, none of this is able to be doable with out the efforts of the wonderful sailors on board, lots of that are on their first deployment with the Royal Navy.”
HMS Prince of Wales, which heads a provider process group, deployed with a frigate, tanker and an air group of helicopters and drones.
The F-35 warplanes are set to hitch the ship within the US.
Source: information.sky.com”