IT'S not all been plain sailing for the £3.5 billion Rosyth-built HMS Queen Elizabeth that left the town last month.

A number of sailors on the Royal Navy aircraft carrier have endured injuries as a result of faulty doors, while debris has also floated into the vessel's propeller shaft.

At least five crew members sustained minor arm injuries but the Aircraft Carrier Alliance stated they were "no more than bruises".

Problems with the operating mechanism on some of the watertight doors on board are currently being investigated.

The Aircraft Carrier Alliance is delivering the carrier and HMS Prince of Wales, and stated that the trial programme would highlight issues to strengthen and improve upon.

A spokesperson said: "HMS Queen Elizabeth is making progress through her sea trials programme, which is designed to test the full spectrum of her vast and complex systems.

"We fully anticipate this will identify areas for improvement that will be addressed at sea or as part of the planned engineering period in Rosyth.

"A small number of minor injuries, the most significant of which has been bruising, have been sustained and all Royal Navy and crew are safe and well on board."

The propeller shaft also had to be examined by divers after an item of debris was caught.

Further checks are set to be carried out as a precautionary measure during the pre-planned stopover in Invergordon.

The alliance spokesperson added: "HMS Queen Elizabeth is making progress through her sea trials programme, which is designed to test the full spectrum of her systems.

"The ship is performing well, however, an item of debris was caught around one of the propeller shafts. This was subsequently cleared and an investigation has been undertaken.

"The ship is currently in Invergordon for one of her planned stops during the trials programme, to store and re-fuel the ship. As a precautionary measure, we will use this opportunity to complete further thorough checks and ensure sea trials continue safely."

BAE Systems, Thales UK, Babcock and the Ministry of Defence are in partnership with the alliance in delivering the carrier.