Royal Navy member dies after helicopter ditches into English Channel
The aircraft crashed off the coast of Dorset last night (Weds 4th Sept)
Last updated 5th Sep 2024
A member of Royal Navy personnel has died after a helicopter ditched in the Channel during a night-flying exercise.
The Ministry of Defence said the Merlin helicopter crashed off the coast of Dorset on Wednesday night (4th September) during the training exercise with the Portsmouth based HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier.
An investigation into the cause of the incident is taking place.
The family of the deceased, who has not been named, have been informed.
Two other people on board the helicopter were rescued and taken to hospital.
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.
"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."
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has also paid tribute to the member of personnel:
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.
Defence Secretary John Healey has described the news of the death of a Royal Navy member of personnel as "dreadful".
He told the PA News agency while on a visit to HMS Diamond in Portsmouth:
"Dreadful news. Truly dreadful news.
"I use dreadful because this is what everyone connected to the armed forces, news of personnel in service dying and 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."
Many Merlin helicopters have been refitted in recent years, by aircraft specialists Leonardo, at their base in Yeovil
In a statement, the company's said:
"On behalf of the team at Leonardo, we would like to extend our deepest condolences for the tragic loss in the recent Merlin Mk4 helicopter incident. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this event."