Royal Navy personnel dies after Merlin helicopter is ditched while on exercise with HMS Queen Elizabeth

The Royal Navy said the helicopter crashed off the coast of Dorset on Wednesday night (September 4) during the training exercise with the Portsmouth-based HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier which left the city on Monday to participate.

An investigation into the cause of the incident is taking place and the family of the deceased, who has not been named, have been informed.

In a statement, the Royal Navy said: “It is with great sadness that we must report a member of the Royal Navy has died following a training incident last night.

“Our thoughts are with the family – who have been informed – and all those affected at this sad time. A full investigation will take place.

“The incident involved a Merlin Mk4 helicopter in the English Channel near Dorset that ditched while conducting night-flying exercises with HMS Queen Elizabeth. There were no other fatalities or serious injuries.”

Defence Secretary John Healey has described the news as “dreadful” and expressed his sympathy during a visit to Portsmouth today (September 5). He said: “Dreadful news. 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.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “deeply saddened” by the news and paid tribute to the ship’s company “particularly those involved in the search-and-rescue operation”. He 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.”

HMS Queen Elizabeth is described on the Navy’s website as “the largest and most powerful vessel ever constructed for the Royal Navy” which is capable of carrying up to 40 aircraft. It is understood the carrier is still working at sea.

First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sir Ben Key, said in a statement on X: “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 MoD has confirmed that two people were rescued and taken to hospital following the crash. The government body added that there were three crew members on board at the time of the incident.

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