Three Royal Navy personnel killed in helicopter crash during Devon training exercise

Emergency services responded to Sourton Down near Okehampton at approximately 03:45 BST after a Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed during a training exercise, resulting in three fatalities. The Royal Navy confirmed the deaths and stated that an investigation has been launched into the incident.

Incident Details and Response

The crash occurred shortly before 04:00 BST, prompting the declaration of a major incident. Devon and Cornwall Police, alongside the Royal Navy and the Civil Aviation Authority, attended the scene. 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.

Devon and Somerset Fire Service dispatched seven engines from six stations. "Several specialist resources were also deployed including an Environmental Protection Unit, Welfare Unit, Command Unit and an Urban Search and Rescue team," a fire service spokesperson said. "One appliance remains 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 affected. Road closures have been put in place following the crash near the A30 and A386 in Devon. The wreckage of the helicopter is visible in the field.

Official Statements and Condolences

A Royal Navy spokesperson said it was "with deep sadness that we can confirm three members of the Royal Navy have died during a helicopter training exercise". They added: "The families of the service personnel have been informed and have requested a period of grace before further details are released. Our thoughts and sympathies are with their families and friends at this sad time."

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

Head of the navy, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins 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." He confirmed that the helicopter was a Merlin Mk4, which are known to be based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset. He also thanked Devon and Cornwall Police and the search and rescue teams who responded to the crash.

Aircraft Background and Operations

The Merlin helicopter entered service with the Royal Navy in 1999. There are two versions in use, the Mk2 and Mk4. Merlin Mk2 helicopters are based at Royal Naval Air Station 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 Royal Naval Air Station 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. 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.

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.

Context

In September 2024, a Merlin Mk4 ditched in the Channel during a training exercise, killing Lieutenant Rhodri Leyshon. In March 2004, a Merlin crashed at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall. Two men were trapped in the aircraft and later flown to hospital. Three other crewmen on board were also hurt in the incident. In October 2000, a Royal Navy Merlin helicopter ditched off Skye. Five crew were rescued.