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A member of Royal Navy personnel has died after a Merlin helicopter plunged into the Channel performing manoeuvers with HMS Queen Elizabeth.
The Merlin Mk4 helicopter, favoured by Royal Marines for rapid deployment, ditched into the English Channel during a night training exercise off the Dorset coast on Wednesday night.
GB News reports three personnel were on board the helicopter when it entered the water.
Two were rescued without serious injuries and were taken to hospital without suffering serious injuries.
The third service member’s body has been recovered, the broadcaster reported.
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.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “deeply saddened” by the death.
In a post on X, he added: “My thoughts are with the family and loved ones during this painful time.”
Sir Keir paid tribute to the ship’s company “particularly those involved in the search-and-rescue operation”.
Defence Secretary John Healey described the news of the death as “truly dreadful” and promised “a full investigation” into how the fatal accident happened.
While on a visit to HMS Diamond in Portsmouth, he told reporters: “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.”
The recently upgraded MK4 helicopter features several modifications for use by the Royal Marines like a fast roping beam for the rapid deployment of special forces from the main cabin door.
Navy Lookout reports the Mk4 has an exceptional safety record, with the last accident being a heavy landing at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan in 2010 while in RAF service.
