Royal Navy serviceperson dies in helicopter crash at sea
A Royal Navy serviceperson has died in a helicopter crash in the Channel during a flying exercise.
The incident involved a Merlin Mk4 helicopter that crashed while conducting night flying exercises with HMS Queen Elizabeth near Dorset.
There were reportedly three crew members on board the helicopter at the time, two of which were rescued with the help of HM Coastguard and taken to hospital, according to the BBC.
They did not suffer any serious injuries and there were no other fatalities. The family of the deceased, who has not been named, have been informed.
A second Merlin helicopter was taking part in the same exercise and was also in the air at the time of the crash, the BBC added.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was ‘deeply saddened’ by the incident and paid tribute to HMS Queen Elizabeth’s crew.
The incident involved a Merlin Mk4 helicopter that crashed while conducting night flying exercises with HMS Queen Elizabeth near Dorset. Pictured: Troops exiting a Merlin Mk4 helicopter in Norway
HMS Queen Elizabeth leaves Portsmouth Harbour on Monday afternoon
HMS Queen Elizabeth sails into its home in Portsmouth Harbour as it returned to base after four months of repairs
He wrote on X: ‘Deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of a member of the Royal Navy.
‘My thoughts are with the family and loved ones during this painful time.
‘I pay tribute to ship’s company, particularly those involved in the search and rescue operation.’
On a visit to Portsmouth, Defence Secretary John Healey said: ‘Dreadful news. Truly dreadful news.
‘All my thoughts and the thoughts of those in the wider navy I’ve been with today are with the family, the friends and the close colleagues of the one we’ve lost today.’
A Royal Navy spokesperson said: ‘It is with great sadness that we must report a member of the Royal Navy has died following a training incident last night.
‘Our thoughts are with the family – who have been informed – and all those affected at this sad time. A full investigation will take place.’
The Merlin MK 4 is one of the latest aircraft in the Royal Navy’s aerial arsenal and is used to fly Royal Marine Commandos and special forces troops on missions
The aircraft is capable of flying a team of special forces troops into a hostile area, with troops fast roping to the ground (pictured is a Merlin MK 4 on exercise as a Marine fast-ropes down)
HMS Queen Elizabeth is described on the Navy’s website as ‘the largest and most powerful vessel ever constructed for the Royal Navy’ which is capable of carrying up to 40 aircraft.
The vessel had been docked at Portsmouth Harbour until Monday when it headed back out to sea for ‘a busy period of equipment trials and training’, the vessel’s account on X wrote.
The 65,000-tonne warship is one of two Queen Elizabeth-class carriers built for the Royal Navy. It’s sister ship, HMS Prince Wales departed Portsmouth on Sunday.
The mammoth warships are the size of four football pitches and can accommodate 1,600 sailors and aircrew.
The Merlin MK 4 is one of the most advanced helicopters in the navy’s Fleet Air Arm.
It can be used to fly special forces and Royal Marine Commandos into combat, while the Merlin Mk2 is principally used as a submarine hunter.
