Fifty cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed on the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, the Ministry of the Armed Forces said on Friday.

Three sailors were evacuated from the vessel to the hospital in Toulon, southern France, home port of the carrier, it said.

On Wednesday, the ministry said the ship had to stop its mission in the North Sea and head home after the discovery of around 40 suspected COVID-19 cases on board.

The aircraft carrier, which is equipped with its own intensive care facilities, has 1,760 personnel on board. The nuclear-powered carrier is continuing its journey to Toulon, where it is due to dock in the coming days.

(With input from agencies)