HMS Queen Elizabeth had to withdraw from Exercise Steadfast Defender due to the problem with her starboard propeller (Picture: Royal Navy)
HMS Queen Elizabeth’s departure from Portsmouth naval base to travel to Rosyth for repairs has been delayed due to the risk of high winds as she leaves the harbour.
The Royal Navy flagship had been due to leave her home port on Monday evening, but is now expected to set sail on Tuesday morning.
The 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier will then head to the dockyard on the Firth of Forth to allow any necessary work to be carried out on her starboard propeller shaft coupling.
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The warship’s departure to lead Exercise Steadfast Defender – the largest Nato exercise since the Cold War – was cancelled at the last minute after the problem was spotted during final checks.
HMS Prince of Wales was deployed to take the place of the £3bn fleet flagship on the major exercises.Play Video
Watch: HMS Prince of Wales sets sail for Nato’s Exercise Steadfast Defender after delay
A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “The aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth is preparing for her sailing window to travel to Rosyth in Scotland so any necessary repairs can be carried out on her starboard propeller shaft coupling.
“As ever, sailing will be subject to suitable tide and weather conditions.”
This setback comes 18 months after her sister ship HMS Prince of Wales broke down off the Isle of Wight as she sailed for the US, having suffered a malfunction with a coupling on her starboard propeller.
On that occasion, HMS Queen Elizabeth sailed in her place and deployed to the US to undertake parts of HMS Prince of Wales’ deployment.
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