Three Royal Navy Personnel Killed in Helicopter Crash During Training Exercise

Three members of the Royal Navy personnel died after a Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed during a training exercise near Okehampton in Devon in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Emergency services were called to Sourton Down at about 3:45 a.m. following reports of the crash. The Royal Navy later confirmed the deaths of the three service members, describing the incident as a tragedy and extending condolences to their families. The identities of the victims have not yet been released at the request of their relatives.

The helicopter involved was a Merlin Mk4, a military aircraft operated by the Commando Helicopter Force based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset. The aircraft is primarily used to transport Royal Marines and support military operations.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Defence Secretary John Healey, and First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins paid tribute to the deceased personnel, describing the loss as devastating for the armed forces and the wider naval community.

Witnesses near the crash site reported hearing unusual engine sounds before the helicopter went down, with one resident describing the aircraft as sounding “not right” as it passed overhead. Investigators have not yet confirmed the cause of the crash.

Police, fire crews, search and rescue teams, military personnel, and aviation authorities responded to the scene, while parts of the A386 road near the crash site were temporarily closed to allow emergency operations and investigations to continue.

The Merlin helicopter has been in Royal Navy service since 1999. While generally regarded as a reliable aircraft, the fleet has experienced several incidents over the years, including the death of a pilot during a training exercise in the English Channel in 2024.

Authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash as the Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defence seek answers about the cause of the fatal accident.