Three British Royal Navy crewmembers have died in a helicopter crash in southwest England, the Ministry of Defence confirmed on Wednesday.
The Merlin Mk4 helicopter went down near Sourton Down, close to Okehampton in Devon, shortly before 4am during a training exercise.
A Royal Navy spokesperson said the crash happened “just before 0400 on Wednesday 3 June near Sourton, Devon”.
“It is with deep sadness that we can confirm three members of the Royal Navy have died during a helicopter training exercise,” the spokesperson said.
Emergency services were called to Sourton Down at around 03:45 BST after the aircraft crashed in a field. The wreckage of the helicopter was visible at the scene.
The Ministry of Defence said the families of the service personnel had been informed and had requested a period of grace before further details are released.
Merlin Mk4 helicopter involved in training exercise
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, head of the Royal Navy, confirmed the aircraft was a Merlin Mk4 helicopter.
The Merlin Mk4 is known to be based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset. Merlin helicopters usually operate with a crew of four and can carry up to 24 troops.
According to the Royal Navy, the Merlin helicopter is primarily used for anti-submarine warfare, as well as search and rescue, cargo transfers and maritime patrol duties.
The cause of the crash was not immediately clear.
Investigation launched into fatal crash
A spokesperson for the UK Civil Aviation Authority said the incident would be investigated by the Defence Accident Investigation Branch.
General Jenkins said an investigation was already under way and further updates would be provided in due course.
“I am deeply saddened to share the news that three crewmembers onboard a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter have died after it crashed in the early hours of this morning near Sourton, Devon,” he said.
“I know this will come as a huge shock to all in our naval community, and my deepest condolences go out to the families, friends and loved ones impacted by this tragedy.”
Witnesses near the scene said they heard noises that sounded like “troubled mechanics” as a helicopter flew overhead before the crash.
Authorities have not yet confirmed what caused the aircraft to come down.
Princess of Wales, King, UK leaders express grief
The Princess of Wales, who serves as Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, said she was “so saddened” by the tragic loss of three service personnel.
“William and I hold their families and friends in our hearts at this very difficult time,” she said.
The BBC understands that the Prince and Princess of Wales will contact the families of those who died directly in the coming days. It is also understood that the King is aware of the incident and will write privately to the families.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the fatal crash as “utterly tragic” in a post on X. He said he was thinking of the families, friends and loved ones of the three Royal Navy personnel who lost their lives.
Defence Secretary John Healey said he was “devastated by the loss of three service personnel”.
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