29 August 2022, Monday, 20:35 902

Britain's Largest Warship Crashes En Route To US - Media

Editor: Tetiana Herasimova

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Britain's largest warship broke down off the country's southern coast shortly after embarking on a mission to the United States.

European Pravda reported this with reference to Sky News.

HMS Prince of Wales, the second of two Royal Navy aircraft carriers, faced an "emerging mechanical issue," a fleet spokesperson said.

The GBP 3 billion aircraft carrier, which fully joined the fleet just last year, is said to be anchored southeast of the Isle of Wight while investigations continue.

"HMS Prince of Wales remains in the South Coast Exercise Area while conducting investigations into an emerging mechanical issue," the Royal Navy spokesperson said.

The issue was first reported by the UK Defence Journal, an online news site dedicated to defence issues that cited unconfirmed reports about damage to the starboard propeller shaft.

A second specialist news site, Navy Lookout, said the 65,000 ton warship 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]," he publication reported.

The warship had departed from nearby 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 trip - provided it goes ahead - is set to see the carrier visit New York, Halifax in Canada and the Caribbean, operating fifth generation F-35 fast jets off the deck as well as drones.

HMS Prince of Wales, which heads a carrier task group, deployed with a frigate, tanker and an air group of helicopters and drones.

The F-35 warplanes are set to join the ship in the U.S.