LONDON: A member of Britain's Royal Navy has died after a Merlin helicopter crashed into the Channel during a night-flying exercise alongside an aircraft carrier, the navy said on Thursday.
“It is with great sadness that we must report that a member of the Royal Navy has died following a training incident last night,” the Navy said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with the family, who have been informed, and with all those affected at this very sad time. A thorough investigation will be carried out.”
The statement added that the incident involved a Merlin Mk4 helicopter, used primarily to deploy marine commandos, which “ran aground” in the Channel off the southwest coast of England.
She had been taking part in night exercises with HMS Queen Elizabeth, one of the UK's two flagship aircraft carriers.
“There were no other fatalities or serious injuries,” the statement said.
HMS Queen Elizabeth, launched in 2014, is “the largest and most powerful ship ever built for the Royal Navy” and capable of carrying up to 40 aircraft, according to the Ministry of Defence.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “deeply saddened” by the “tragic death”.
“My thoughts are with the family and loved ones during this painful time,” he added on X.
The British leader also paid tribute to the aircraft carrier's crew, who assisted in the search and rescue operation.
Defence Secretary John Healey called the news of the death “terrible”.
