Precautionary checks to be made on carrier’s propeller

MIKE MERRITT

The aircraft carrier during its sea trial launch.

well, however, an item of debris was caught around one of the propeller shafts.

“This was subsequently cleared and an investigation has been undertaken.”

The spokesman added: “The ship is currently in Invergordon for one of her planned stops during the trials programme, to store and re-fuel the ship.

“As a precautionary

measure, we will use this opportunity to complete further thorough checks and ensure sea trials continue safely.”

The arrival of HMS Queen Elizabeth over the weekend has drawn large crowds to the port.

It is one of two new carriers being built at Rosyth dockyard in Fife at a cost of more than £6bn and began sea trials last month ahead of deployment.