An investigation is underway into the circumstances that caused a Merlin Mk4 helicopter to ditch in the English Channel yesterday evening around 20:45.
The Royal Navy said the Merlin Mk4 helicopter involved in this incident was conducting night training flying exercises with HMS Queen Elizabeth off the coast of Dorset. Another Merlin Mk 4 was also flying at the time.
Three crew members were on board the Merlin Mk4, which ditched, two were rescued from the sea and taken to hospital. According to reports, they were not seriously injured during the forced water landing. A third crew member, whose body was recovered, has not yet been named.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was "deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of a member of the Royal Navy".
Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed an investigation has already started, "Today is a day to mourn the loss of a valued navy personnel and think about his family, friends and colleagues. For everyone connected with the armed forces, this is news that people dread. - All my thoughts and the thoughts of those in the wider navy I've been with today are with the family, the friends and the close colleagues of the one we've lost today."
