The Royal Navy has confirmed that a Merlin Mk4 helicopter has ditched in the English Channel during a night flight training exercise from HMS Queen Elizabeth, with one crew member killed.
A Royal Navy member has been killed when a Merlin Mk4 helicopter ditched in the English Channel during a night flight training exercise from HMS Queen Elizabeth.
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that a Merlin Mk4 made an emergency landing at sea during an exercise from HMS Queen Elizabeth. The cause of the accident is currently unknown and an investigation has been launched.
In a statement, the Royal Navy said: “We are extremely sad to report that a Royal Navy member has died in an incident during training last night.
Our thoughts are with the family who have been informed and all those affected at this sad time. A full investigation will be carried out.
“The incident involved a Merlin Mk4 helicopter making an emergency landing in the English Channel near Dorset during a night flight training exercise with HMS Queen Elizabeth.
There are said to have been three crew members on board the helicopter at the time of the incident. The remaining two Royal Navy personnel were rescued and taken to hospital. They are not believed to have sustained serious injuries and the coastguard assisted in the rescue.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “deeply saddened” by the incident. Of X he wrote: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of a Royal Navy member. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.
“My condolences to the crew of HMS Queen Elizabeth, particularly those involved in the search and rescue operation.” A Merlin helicopter was found at the scene of the accident and recovered.
A second Merlin helicopter was on the same night training flight at the time of the incident. Earlier this week, a briefing from HMS Queen Elizabeth X revealed the carrier was due to carry out equipment tests and exercises at sea.
Defence Secretary John Healey added: “My thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time. A full investigation will be carried out into how this accident happened.
The Merlin Mk4 is considered to be the most modern attack helicopter in the world. It can carry 24 fully equipped soldiers at a maximum altitude of 15,000 feet.”