HMS Prince of Wales remains at anchor in the Solent today (Wednesday) some 5 days after breaking down off the coast of the Isle of Wight whilst en route to the States.
The £3billion aircraft carrier was due to be undertaking training with the US Navy and Royal Canadian Navy but suffered a major breakdown on Saturday whilst a few miles off Ventnor – just hours after leaving Portsmouth.
It was assisted back to the sheltered waters of The Solent by tugs earlier this week, where divers have been inspecting the damage below the waterline.
Now, it has emerged that the warship will most likely have to go into dry dock to undergo major repairs to its propulsion system. National media outlets claim that a lack of greasing may have led to the prop shaft becoming damaged.
It’s thought that HMS Prince of Wales will head to Rosyth in Scotland, but may have to go to the Netherlands instead.
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