Three Royal Navy personnel die in helicopter crash during training exercise in Devon
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- Three Royal Navy crew members died when a Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed near Sourton, Devon, during a training exercise early Wednesday.
- The Ministry of Defence confirmed the incident, with investigations underway.
- Condolences have been extended to the families.
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Three members of the Royal Navy have died in a helicopter crash in Devon during a training exercise. The incident occurred around 4am on Wednesday near Okehampton. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the deaths and stated that families have been informed.
Three members of the Royal Navy have died in a helicopter crash in Devon during a training exercise, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said.
Emergency services were called to the scene of the incident at Sourton Down, near Okehampton, around 4am on Wednesday.
The head of the Navy, Gen Sir Gwyn Jenkins, said in a statement: “I am deeply saddened to share the news that three crew members onboard a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter have died after it crashed in the early hours of this morning near Sourton, Devon.
“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.
“I would like to thank Devon and Cornwall police and the search and rescue teams who responded to the incident this morning. An investigation is under way and further updates will be provided in due course.”
In a post on social media, the MoD added: “It is with deep sadness that we can confirm three members of the Royal Navy have died during a helicopter training exercise on Wednesday June 3 near Sourton, Devon.
“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.”
Keir Starmer said the deaths of three Royal Navy personnel in a helicopter crash was “utterly tragic”, while it was understood that the king will write privately to the three families.
The defence secretary, John Healey, said: “I am devastated by the loss of three service personnel. They served with excellence and will be much missed.
“All our thoughts are with their families, friends and those they served with at this incredibly sad time. I thank the emergency services for their response.”
There are several naval bases near the crash site, which is on the edge of Dartmoor. HMNB Devonport in Plymouth, on the south-western edge of Dartmoor, is the largest naval base in western Europe. Other nearby bases include RM Tamar, CTCRM Lympstone and BRNC Dartmouth.
The area is between the Royal Navy’s airbases at Yeovilton in Somerset and Culdrose in Cornwall.
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An investigation into the cause of the helicopter crash will be completed.
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Offene Fragen
- What caused the helicopter to crash?
- What specific training exercise was being conducted?
- What are the identities of the deceased personnel?
- What are the initial findings of the investigation?
