Three dead in Royal Navy helicopter crash

Three Royal Navy personnel have died in a helicopter crash during a training exercise in Devon.

Emergency services were called to Sourton Down, near Okehampton, at about 03:45 BST after a Merlin Mk4 crashed.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said the deaths happened during a "helicopter training exercise", adding "the families of the service personnel have been informed and have requested a period of grace before further details are released".

The Princess of Wales, in her role as Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, said she and William were "holding their families and friends in our hearts".

Head of the navy, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, confirmed that the helicopter was a Merlin Mk4, which are known to be based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset.

He said: "I know this will come as a huge shock to all in our naval community, and my deepest condolences go out to the families, friends and loved ones impacted by this tragedy."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on X that the fatal crash was "utterly tragic" and that he was thinking of "the families, friends and loved ones of the three members of the Royal Navy who sadly lost their lives", while Defence Secretary John Healey said he was "devastated by the loss of three service personnel".

The Princess of Wales added she was "so saddened to hear of the tragic loss of three service personnel from the Fleet Air Arm following a helicopter training exercise last night".

"William and I hold their families and friends in our hearts at this very difficult time," she said.

The BBC understands that she and the Prince of Wales will be contacting the families of those who lost their lives directly in the coming days.

It is understood the King is also aware of the incident and will write privately to the families.

Merlin helicopters entered service with the Royal Navy in 1999. There are two versions in use, the Mk2 and Mk4.

Merlin Mk2 helicopters are based at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall with the Merlin Helicopter Force, which operates 30 Mk2s. This version is primarily an anti-submarine helicopter.

Merlin Mk4 helicopters are based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset with the Commando Helicopter Force, which operates 25 Merlin Mk4 helicopters for the Royal Marines.

Military helicopters often train in the area around north Dartmoor, which lies between the air bases at Yeovilton and Culdrose.

In September 2024, a Merlin Mk4 ditched in the Channel during a training exercise, killing Lt Rhodri Leyshon, and in March 2004, a Merlin crashed at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall. Two men were trapped in the aircraft and later flown to hospital. Three other crewmen on board were also hurt.

The wreckage of the helicopter is visible in the field in Devon.

Witnesses at the scene said they heard noises that sounded like "troubled mechanics" as a helicopter flew over.

One described it as "sounding not right" as it flew over his house and said "it almost took the roof off" his home.

The scene is also close to Okehampton battle camp, a military facility on the edge of Dartmoor which has been used for training Merlin helicopter crews from the Commando Helicopter Force.

Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable James Vaughan said the emergency services, navy and Civil Aviation Authority attended the scene.

"We continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding that crash," Vaughan added.

Paul, who lives in a hamlet nearby, said: "Early this morning I was woken up in bed by an extremely low-flying helicopter. We live just down the bottom of the valley.

"It just sounded very, very low. We get them over quite often. I would say most weeks we get low-flying helicopters, low-flying jets, transporters. I guess it's a well-trodden route.

"It's heart-breaking, isn't it? No-one wants to see that for sure. It's just really sad that there's been fatalities there."

Devon and Somerset Fire Service said seven engines from six stations had been dispatched and one appliance remaineds at the scene.

The A386 between the A30 at Sourton Down and the A3079 Fowley Cross in Okehampton was closed at about 04:30.

The A386 reopened at about 13:30, but National Highways said the eastbound exit slip road of the A30 remained closed.

Staff at Sourton Cross Service Station, which is located near the scene, said the services were currently inaccessible.

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