Three Royal Navy personnel die in Devon helicopter crash

Three Royal Navy personnel were killed when a Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed during a training exercise in Devon early Wednesday, prompting an investigation and tributes from military and political leaders.

Emergency services were called to Sourton Down, near Okehampton, at about 03:45 BST after the aircraft came down in a field. The Royal Navy confirmed the deaths, saying it was “with deep sadness that we can confirm three members of the Royal Navy have died during a helicopter training exercise.”

“The families of the service personnel have been informed and have requested a period of grace before further details are released,” a Royal Navy spokesperson said. “Our thoughts and sympathies are with their families and friends at this sad time.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the crash “utterly tragic” in a post on X and said his “thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of the three members of the Royal Navy who sadly lost their lives.” Al Jazeera, citing Sky News, also reported Starmer said he was following the incident and that “this will be a deeply worrying time for the families and more information will be set out as soon as possible.”

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the head of the navy, said the deaths would come as “a huge shock to all in our naval community.” He added: “My deepest condolences go out to the families, friends and loved ones impacted by this tragedy.” Jenkins confirmed the aircraft was a Merlin Mk4 and thanked Devon and Cornwall Police and search and rescue teams who responded.

Defence Secretary John Healey said he was “devastated by the loss of three service personnel.”

Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable James Vaughan said emergency services, the navy and the Civil Aviation Authority attended the scene. “We continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding that crash,” Vaughan said. Al Jazeera reported that the Ministry of Defence said few details had been released because the victims’ families requested time before more information is made public.

Devon and Somerset Fire Service said seven engines from six stations were sent to the scene. “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.”

Witnesses near the crash site told the BBC they heard noises that sounded like “troubled mechanics” as a helicopter flew overhead. One witness described the aircraft as “sounding not right” and said “it almost took the roof off” his home.

The crash site is close to Okehampton battle camp, a military facility on the edge of Dartmoor that has been used for training Merlin helicopter crews from the Commando Helicopter Force. Military helicopters often train around north Dartmoor, which lies between RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset and RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall.

The Merlin helicopter entered service with the Royal Navy in 1999. The navy uses two versions: the Mk2, based at RNAS Culdrose with the Merlin Helicopter Force, which operates 30 primarily anti-submarine helicopters; and the Mk4, based at RNAS Yeovilton with the Commando Helicopter Force, which operates 25 helicopters for the Royal Marines.

The BBC reported that a Merlin Mk4 ditched in the Channel during a training exercise in September 2024, killing Lt Rhodri Leyshon. In March 2004, a Merlin crashed at RNAS Culdrose, injuring five crew members, and in October 2000, a Royal Navy Merlin ditched off Skye, with five crew rescued.

The A386 between the A30 at Sourton Down and the A3079 Fowley Cross in Okehampton was closed at about 04:30 and reopened at about 13:30, while National Highways said the eastbound exit slip road of the A30 remained closed. Staff at nearby Sourton Cross Service Station said the services were inaccessible.