First Sea Lord leads tributes to Royal Navy sailor who died in Merlin accident

The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key, has led tributes to the member of the Royal Navy who died after their Merlin helicopter ditched in the English Channel during a nighttime training exercise.

Three Royal Navy personnel were carrying out night flying training in their Merlin Mk4 with the carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth when the aircraft came down.

Adm Sir Ben said: "I am intensely saddened by the tragic loss of one of our Royal Navy personnel, following the incident in the English Channel last night.

"It is a huge shock to us all in the naval community, and our thoughts and condolences go out to the family at this time."

The Royal Navy confirmed there were no other fatalities or serious injuries among the other two crew members following the incident off the Dorset coast.

It said "Our thoughts are with the family - who have been informed - and all those affected at this sad time," it said.

"A full investigation will take place."

Defence Secretary John Healey, who was on a visit to HMS Diamond in Portsmouth when he heard about the accident, said it was "truly dreadful news".

"I use dreadful because this is what everyone connected to the Armed Forces, news of personnel in service dying and 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," he said.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said in a post on X: "Deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of a member of the Royal Navy.

"My thoughts are with the family and loved ones during this painful time."

The Mk4 Merlin is the aircraft currently used by Royal Marines, with several modifications for use by the Commando Force.

These include a fast roping beam that allows the rapid deployment of marines from the main cabin door.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sir Ben Key posted a message on X to say he was "immensely saddened by the tragic loss of one of our Royal Navy personnel", sending "thoughts and condolences" from the naval community to their family.