HMS Queen Elizabeth makes successful transition to water

Britain’s newest aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth has successfully floated out of the dock in which she was assembled.

To get her moving, the dry dock in Rosyth near Edinburgh was flooded for the first time to allow the 65,000 tonne aircraft carrier to float. It then took three hours to manoeuvre the vessel out of the dock - with two metres clearance at either side - and berth her alongside a nearby jetty.

Engineers and technicians will now continue to outfit the ship in preparation for sea trials in 2016.

The dock she vacates will be used for final assembly of her sister ship, HMS Prince Of Wales, which will begin in September.