HMS Prince of Wales, the second of two Royal Navy aircraft carriers, was experiencing an “emerging mechanical problem”, a spokesman said. The problem is being investigated. The £3bn carrier, which only became fully operational last year, is said to be moored south-east of the Isle of Wight while the search is carried out. “HMS Prince of Wales remains in the South Coast exercise area while conducting investigations into an emerging mechanical issue,” a Royal Navy spokesman said. The problem was first reported by the UK Defense Journal, an online defense-focused news site, which reported unconfirmed reports of damage to the right propeller shaft. A second specialist news website, Navy Lookout, reported that the 65,000-tonne warship had suffered a “significant technical fault”. “If the issue turns out to be serious, it is understood that this is extremely unfortunate and not a good look for the RN [Royal Navy]”, he said. Image: The vessel suffered an “emerging mechanical problem”. Photo: Royal Navy The warship had departed from nearby Portsmouth on Saturday on what the Royal Navy described as a mission to “shape the future of stealth jet and drone operations off the coast of North America and the Caribbean”. The trip – assuming it goes ahead – is planned to see the carrier visit New York, Halifax in Canada and the Caribbean, operating fast fifth-generation F-35 jets from the deck as well as drones. The Commanding Officer, Captain Richard Hewitt, said in a statement to mark the departure – and before the mechanical failure: “Transferring the HMS Prince of Wales task force across the Atlantic for the remainder of this year will not only push the limits of British carrier operations, but will strengthen our close partnership with our closest ally. “From operating the F35 Lightnings and drones to hosting the Atlantic Future Forum, none of this would be possible without the efforts of the amazing sailors on board, many of whom are on their first deployment with the Royal Navy.” HMS Prince of Wales, which leads a carrier task force, was deployed with a frigate, tanker and an air group of helicopters and drones. F-35 fighter jets are set to join the ship in the US.
