A third of the sailors serving on French navy aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle – 668 out of 1,767 – have tested positive for coronavirus.
The nuclear carrier, which had been on military exercises in the Atlantic, has been ordered home to Toulon, 10 days ahead of schedule. “Operations to disinfect the vessel and aircraft have begun,” said French defence minister, Florence Parly.
The crew have had reportedly had no contact with the outside world since the carrier went to sea on March 15. It can technically sail for decades without refuelling but carries enough food for about 45 days.
The French armed forces ministry said at least 668 out of the 1,767 crew – over 38% – have been infected. In a statement, the ministry said “Today, 31 of [the