The Daily Mail reports that she is our most advanced nuclear submarine, described as the stealthiest ever built and packed with state of the art navigation equipment.
But somehow the £1.2billion HMS Astute managed to run aground early today.
The Royal Navy super-sub's rudder got stuck in mud and shingle off the Isle of Skye after venturing into the entrance of a shallow bay to take crew aboard.
Stuck high and dry, she languished there under the bemused gaze of locals as red-faced top brass waited anxiously for the tide to rise so she could be freed.
And finally, at 6.30pm this evening, their wish was granted as
Earlier today, as crowds gathered to marvel at the hi-tech wonder, a tourist boat even began running trips out to see her.
The Ministry of Defence stressed there was no likelihood of a nuclear reactor leak and no risk to the public.
But the extent of the damage to Astute which ran aground at 8am as she turned at the entrance to Loch Alsh after the personnel transfer, was not clear last night.
The incident will, however, inevitably leave the Navy's reputation sorely dented.
More details here
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