The UK's biggest warship has broken down off the south coast shortly after setting sail on what had been billed as a "landmark mission" to the United States.
HMS Prince of Wales, the second of the Royal Navy's two aircraft carriers, was experiencing an "emerging mechanical issue", a spokesperson said.
The problem is being investigated.
The £3bn carrier, which became fully operational only last year, is reportedly anchored south east of the Isle of Wight while the investigation is carried out.
"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 problem was first reported by UK Defence Journal, an online news site focused on defence issues, which cited unconfirmed reports about damage to the starboard propeller shaft.
A second specialist news site, Navy Lookout, said the 65,000-tonne warship had suffered a "significant technical fault".
!!!!!! - Fucking Russians, lol
GLORY TO RUSSIA...!!!
