Three Royal Navy Personnel Killed in Devon Helicopter Crash

Three members of the Royal Navy have died after a Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed during a training exercise near Okehampton.

Emergency services were called to Sourton Down, near Okehampton, at approximately 3:45am on Wednesday following reports of the crash.

In a statement, the Royal Navy said it was "with deep sadness" that it could confirm the deaths of three service personnel during the exercise. The families of those who died have been informed and have requested privacy before any further details are released.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the incident as "utterly tragic", offering his condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the personnel who lost their lives.

The First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, said the news would come as a significant shock across the naval community. He expressed his deepest sympathies to all those affected and thanked Devon and Cornwall Police, along with search and rescue teams, for their response to the incident.

The helicopter involved was confirmed to be a Merlin Mk4, a model operated by the Commando Helicopter Force and based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset. The aircraft is primarily used to support Royal Marines operations.

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

Military helicopters regularly conduct training exercises across the north Dartmoor area, which lies between the naval air stations at Yeovilton and Culdrose. Wreckage from the aircraft remains visible at the crash site.

Witnesses reported hearing unusual sounds from the helicopter shortly before the crash. One local resident described the aircraft as sounding "not right" as it flew overhead, while another said it made a loud noise that "almost took the roof off" his home.

The crash occurred near Okehampton Battle Camp, a military training facility on the edge of Dartmoor that has previously been used for Merlin helicopter crew training.

Investigations into the cause of the crash are expected to continue.

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