HMS Queen Elizabeth Returns to the Solent After Channel Exercises and Tragic Helicopter Incident

The Royal Navy's flagship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, is set to make her return to the Solent today, Thursday, September 12, after completing a series of training exercises in the English Channel. The aircraft carrier is expected to pass the NAB Tower at 1 pm before proceeding towards the Solent Forts around 2:30 pm. According to the latest KHB forecast, the ship is scheduled to anchor at Stokes Bay overnight, providing an opportunity for those along the coastline to catch a glimpse of the mighty vessel.

This return follows an intense period of operational sea training for HMS Queen Elizabeth and her crew, marked by a tragic incident during a night-flying exercise last week. A Merlin helicopter was ditched off the coast of Dorset, resulting in the death of 31-year-old Pilot Lieutenant Rhodri Leyshon. Two other crew members were injured and taken to the hospital. An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the crash.

HMS Queen Elizabeth has been preparing for her next deployment following a period in drydock at Rosyth, where critical repairs and maintenance were carried out, including work to resolve a fault in the propeller shaft. The aircraft carrier left Portsmouth on September 2 to participate in the latest round of exercises as part of these preparations.

As the flagship continues to ready herself for future operations, her return to the Solent will be closely watched by both naval enthusiasts and the local community.