Three Royal Navy personnel killed in Merlin helicopter crash in Devon, UK

Three members of the Royal Navy have died after an AgustaWestland AW101 (Merlin HC4) helicopter registered ZJ131 crashed during a training exercise near Okehampton in Devon in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The helicopter came down in a field at Sourton Down shortly before 4 a.m., prompting a major emergency response involving police and search-and-rescue teams. Several roads in the area were temporarily closed following the incident.

The Royal Navy confirmed the deaths and said an investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, head of the Royal Navy, described the news as a “huge shock” to the naval community and expressed his condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of those who died.

The crash occurred near Okehampton Battle Camp on the edge of Dartmoor, an area frequently used for military training, including exercises involving the Commando Helicopter Force. The Merlin Mk4 is a military transport helicopter that typically carries a crew of four and can transport up to 24 troops.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as “utterly tragic” and paid tribute to the three service personnel, while thanking emergency responders for their efforts.

The accident is one of the most serious peacetime incidents involving a Royal Navy helicopter in recent years, and investigators will now seek to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.

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Update: A Royal Navy helicopter has crashed into a field at Sourton Down near the A30 in Devon, triggering a large emergency response and local road closures, with the MOD confirming as investigators probe the early?morning crash. #UKhttps://t.co/C0sDhqouVc

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