A serviceman who died during a night training exercise has been named as Lieutenant Rhodri Leyshon.
Lt Rhodri Leyshon served in the Royal Navy and died when a helicopter ditched in the English Channel during a night training exercise. The Ministry of Defence officially released his named on Friday.
He was aboard a Merlin Mk4 when it ditched into the English Channel on Wednesday night after it suffered a “double engine failure”. The tragedy took place during a training exercise, reports the Express.
Tributes have poured in for Lt Leyshon, with his family remembering him as a “talented” and “passionate” man who was “immeasurably loved”. The Ministry of Defence said Lt Leyshon was “one of the Commando Helicopter Force’s most trusted and highly capable aircraft captains and instructors”.
(Image: UK MOD Crown copyright)
Lt Rhodri Leyshon’s family have also given a heartbreaking tribute saying their lives will “never be the same” without him. They said: “Rhod was so immeasurably loved by his parents, siblings, partner, friends and family, and he was devoted to them.
“Our lives will never be the same without him. We are all so very proud of the talented, passionate, strong and loyal man he was. We will always have him in our hearts. Our wonderful boy.
“The family requests privacy at this extremely painful time.”
In a statement, the Royal Navy 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.
(Image: PA)
“The incident involved a Merlin Mk4 helicopter in the English Channel near Dorset that ditched while conducting night flying exercises with HMS Queen Elizabeth. There were no other fatalities or serious injuries.”
Sir Keir Starmer wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that he was “saddened to hear of the tragic death of a member of the Royal Navy. He also wrote: “My thoughts are with the family and loved ones during this painful time.”
The Prime Minister added he wanted to pay tribute to the vessel’s crew, “particularly those involved in the search and rescue operation”.
Defence Secretary John Healey also spoke about the tragedy, describing the tragic incident as “dreadful”.
Speaking during a visit to HMS Diamond in Portsmouth, he said: “Dreadful news. Truly dreadful news.”
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