The Ministry of Defence said the incident happened just before 4am on Wednesday and images show the destroyed aircraft at the scene in Devon – as tributes pour in from the Royal Family and senior officials
Kate Middleton and Prince William ‘hold their families and friends in our hearts’(Image: AP)
The Princess of Wales has released a statement following the devastating helicopter crash during a training exercise that claimed the lives of three Royal Navy personnel.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed the incident took place just before 4am on Wednesday (June 3), with photographs revealing the wreckage at the site in Devon. The Princess of Wales, serving as Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, expressed that she is “saddened” by the tragic events.
In a statement released by Kensington Palace across the royals’ social media platforms, the Princess said: “I 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.”
Both Kate and the Prince of Wales are understood to be reaching out to the bereaved families in the coming days. It is further understood that King Charles has been informed of the incident and intends to write privately to the families concerned.
Police confirmed that emergency services were alerted at approximately 3.45am following reports of a crash at Sourton Down, near Okehampton, Devon, reports the Daily Star.
The head of the Navy, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, stated: “I am deeply saddened to share the news that three crewmembers onboard a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter have died after it crashed in the early hours of this morning near Sourton, Devon.
“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.”
The MoD confirmed that the families of the service personnel who lost their lives in the incident have been notified.
In an official statement, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “deeply saddened” by the crash, subsequently describing the incident on social media as “utterly tragic”.
The Merlin Mk4 was the helicopter involved in the horror crash(Image: POPhot Lee Blease/Royal Navy / SWNS)
Defence Secretary John Healey said he was “devastated” at the three deaths of personnel who “served with excellence and will be much missed”.
Merlin helicopters, such as the Merlin Mk4 involved in the incident, typically carry a crew of four and are capable of transporting up to 24 troops.
In 2024, a Merlin Mk4 ditched in the Channel during a training exercise, killing Lieutenant Rhodri Leyshon.
The area lies between the Royal Navy’s air bases at Yeovilton in Somerset and Culdrose in Cornwall.
The crash site is situated close to Okehampton battle camp, a military facility on the outskirts of Dartmoor which has been utilised for training Merlin helicopter crews from the Commando Helicopter Force.
The Merlin helicopter is predominantly deployed for anti-submarine warfare, though the aircraft can also be used for search and rescue, cargo transfers and maritime patrol, according to the Royal Navy’s website.
