Britain’s Royal Navy announced on Wednesday that three of its personnel had died when a helicopter crashed during a training exercise in the southwest of England. The incident occurred shortly before 4 a.m. in a field in Devon.
General Gwyn Jenkins, head of the navy, said in a statement, “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.” He added that an investigation is now underway, with further details to follow. The cause of the crash remains unclear.
The Merlin Mk4 helicopter involved typically carries a crew of four and can transport up to 24 troops. According to the Royal Navy’s website, the Merlin is mainly used for anti-submarine warfare, as well as search and rescue, cargo transport, and maritime patrol.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the families of those killed have been notified.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the deaths as “utterly tragic.”
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