Making a splash: Commandos beat the heat by jumping into the sea from a Merlin

Royal Marines from M Company, 42 Commando, no doubt welcomed the chance of a cooling dip as they practised drills leaping from a Merlin helicopter into the sea during the searing heatwave.

In a short video posted on X, commandos are seen jumping from the helicopter one by one into the water.

They then board a small craft, joining forces with troops from 47 Commando.

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The exercise is part of a routine training scenario for these marine commandos.

Based in Plymouth, troops from 42 Commando are experts in high-threat Maritime Security Operations (MSO) and train intensively for different scenarios at sea.

M Company, in particular, specialises in providing Ships Force Protection Teams for Royal Navy ships operating in high-risk areas around the world, and responding rapidly to any threat is a vital skill.

The Merlin Mk4 helicopter is one of the most adaptable aircraft in the Commando Helicopter Force.

It is capable of operating in several roles in various environments.

The helicopter also has a cargo door for loading troops and supplies, but it also allows troops to jump out quickly into the water if required.