Britain's largest warship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, has returned to sea after spending months docked at Rosyth for essential repairs and upgrades. The Royal Navy vessel was pictured passing under the Forth Rail Bridge as it headed back out to sea.
The ship was originally scheduled to lead NATO's largest mission since the Cold War, Steadfast Defender, in Norway. However, a fault in the propeller shaft was discovered in February, forcing the mission to be led by its sister ship, HMS Prince of Wales.
In March, HMS Queen Elizabeth sailed from Portsmouth to Rosyth for repairs. Now, after months of work, the Navy has confirmed the ship has completed its defect repair and capability upgrades.
A Royal Navy spokesman said: 'HMS Queen Elizabeth has completed her defect repair work and capability upgrades at Rosyth and will now undergo a period of sea trials to prepare for future tasking.'
To pass under the Forth Bridge, which has a clearance of 150ft, the crew had to lower the ship's radio mast. The vessel stands 184ft tall with the mast raised. HMS Queen Elizabeth weighs 65,000 tonnes, can carry up to 40 aircraft, and is capable of speeds over 25 knots.
