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Royal Navy Personnel Dies After Helicopter Crashes During Training Exercise
A Royal Navy personnel member has died after a Merlin helicopter crashed during a night-flying exercise with the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier off the coast of Dorset, with two other crew members rescued and hospitalized.
MEDITERRANEAN SEA 02.25.2024 Photo by Cpl. Michele Clarke 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit
A member of the UK Royal Navy has died after a Merlin helicopter ditched in the English Channel during a night-flying exercise with the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier. Two other crew members on board were rescued and taken to hospital, the Ministry of Defence said.
The incident occurred off the coast of Dorset on Wednesday night, and an investigation into the cause is currently underway. The family of the deceased, who has not been named, have been informed.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences, saying: "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." He also paid tribute to the ship's company, particularly those involved in the search-and-rescue operation.
Defence Secretary John Healey described the news as "dreadful", adding: “This is what everyone connected to the armed forces dreads, news of personnel in service dying. 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.”
The Royal Navy said in a statement: “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.”
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The Merlin Mk4 helicopter involved in the incident is used by the Royal Marines and has been deployed globally for disaster relief. It is considered one of the most advanced amphibious battlefield helicopters in the world, capable of carrying up to 24 troops.
HMS Queen Elizabeth, the aircraft carrier involved in the exercise, is described as the largest and most powerful vessel ever constructed for the Royal Navy, capable of carrying up to 40 aircraft. The vessel is still working at sea, according to reports.
