Three Royal Navy members killed in Devon helicopter crash

Emergency services were called to the scene of the incident at Sourton Down, near Okehampton, around 4am on Wednesday. Photograph: PA Wire/PA View image in fullscreen Emergency services were called to the scene of the incident at Sourton Down, near Okehampton, around 4am on Wednesday. Photograph: PA Wire/PA Three Royal Navy members killed in Devon helicopter crash Ministry of Defence confirms deaths of three crew members after crash near Okehampton during training exercise Three members of the Royal Navy have died in a helicopter crash in Devon during a training exercise, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said. Emergency services were called to the scene of the incident at Sourton Down, near Okehampton, around 4am on Wednesday. The head of the Navy, Gen Sir Gwyn Jenkins, said in a statement: “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. An investigation is under way and further updates will be provided in due course.” In a post on social media, the MoD added: “It is with deep sadness that we can confirm three members of the Royal Navy have died during a helicopter training exercise on Wednesday June 3 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.” View image in fullscreen A Mountain Rescue team near the crash scene on Wednesday morning. Photograph: Tom Wren/SWNS Keir Starmer said the deaths of three Royal Navy personnel in a helicopter crash was “utterly tragic”, while it was understood that the king will write privately to the three families. The defence secretary, John Healey, said: “I am devastated by the loss of three service personnel. They served with excellence and will be much missed. “All our thoughts are with their families, friends and those they served with at this incredibly sad time. I thank the emergency services for their response.” There are several naval bases near the crash site, which is on the edge of Dartmoor. HMNB Devonport in Plymouth, on the south-western edge of Dartmoor, is the largest naval base in western Europe. Other nearby bases include RM Tamar, CTCRM Lympstone and BRNC Dartmouth. The area is between the Royal Navy’s airbases at Yeovilton in Somerset and Culdrose in Cornwall. 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 crew from the commando helicopter force . Explore more on these topics