Britain’s Royal Navy said on Wednesday that three of its personnel died after a helicopter crashed during a training exercise in southwest England.
The Merlin Mk4 helicopter went down in a field in Devon shortly before 4 a.m. while engaged in routine training operations.
Emergency services, including Devon and Cornwall Police and search-and-rescue teams, were immediately deployed to the scene, but the three crew members could not be saved.
“It is with deep sadness that we can confirm three members of the Royal Navy have died during a helicopter training exercise. Our thoughts and sympathies are with their families and friends at this sad time,” a Royal Navy spokesperson said.
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, head of the Navy, described the incident as a “huge shock” to the naval community, adding that his deepest condolences go to the families, friends, and loved ones of those affected. He also commended Devon and Cornwall Police and rescue teams for their swift response.
The UK Ministry of Defence said the families of the deceased personnel had been informed, adding that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash, with further updates expected in due course.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the deaths as “utterly tragic” and extended his thoughts and sympathies to the victims’ families.