Three Royal Navy personnel die in helicopter crash during training exercise in Devon

Three Royal Navy personnel have died after a helicopter crashed into a field in Devon earlier this morning during a training exercise, the First Sea Lord and the Navy have confirmed.

In a statement posted to X, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said: "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."

A Royal Navy spokesperson also said: "It is with deep sadness that we can confirm three members of the Royal Navy have died during a helicopter training exercise just before 0400 on Wednesday 3 June 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."

Defence Secretary John Healey said he was "devastated" at the three deaths of personnel who "served with excellence and will be much missed", and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the deaths were "utterly tragic". 

The King is aware of the helicopter crash and will write privately to the families, it is understood, and the Princess of Wales, who is Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, said in a personally signed message that she was "saddened" to hear of the deaths, adding: "William and I hold their families and friends in our hearts at this very difficult time."

An investigation into the crash is ongoing and more details are expected once this has concluded.

The scene of the crash is close to Okehampton battle camp, a military facility on the edge of Dartmoor which has been used for training Merlin helicopter crews from the Commando Helicopter Force.

The area also lies between the Royal Navy's air bases at Yeovilton in Somerset and Culdrose in Cornwall.

RNAS Culdrose, located near Helston in Cornwall, is the home base of the Navy's Merlin helicopter force and provides training for the Fleet Air Arm. 

RNAS Yeovilton, near Yeovil in Somerset, hosts more than 100 aircraft for frontline and training units, including the Fleet Air Arm Wildcat Maritime Force and the Commando Helicopter Force.

Merlin Mk4 helicopters are considered the world's most advanced amphibious battlefield helicopter, and can carry up to 24 fully-laden troops, providing tactical mobility and aviation support from either sea or land.