A nuclear-powered submarine which ran aground in shallow waters off the Isle of Skye has been refloated, the Royal Navy has said.
HMS Astute was towed free by a tug at about 1800 BST and will be taken to deep water where a survey will be carried out on its rudder.
The £1bn submarine, described as the “stealthiest” ever built in the UK, was out on sea trials.
It became stuck on a shingle bank near the Skye Bridge at about 0800 BST.
The journey back to its base at Faslane on the Clyde could take several days.
HMS Astute, built by BAE Systems in Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, is believed to have been undergoing sea trials as it is not expected to enter service until next year.
Aside from attack capabilities, it is able to sit in waters off the coast undetected, delivering the UK’s special forces where needed or even listening to mobile phone conversations.
~
Posted in Lite, News