A member of the Royal Navy has died after a helicopter ditched while conducting night-flying exercises with HMS Queen Elizabeth.
The 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.”
There were three people on board the Merlin Mk4 helicopter when it ditched into the Channel near Dorset, Sky News has been told. HM Coastguard assisted in the rescue operation.
There were no other fatalities or serious injuries, the Navy added, while the other two crew members were taken to hospital.
The family of the deceased, who has not been named, have been informed.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “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.”
In a post on X, he paid tribute to HMS Queen Elizabeth ship’s company, “particularly those involved in the search and rescue operation”.
Defence Secretary John Healey has described the news of the death of a Royal Navy member of personnel as “dreadful”.
During a visit to HMS Diamond in Portsmouth, he said: “Dreadful news. Truly dreadful news.
“I use dreadful because this is what everyone connected to the armed forces (dreads), news of personnel in service dying.
“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.”
John Healey during a visit to HM Naval Base Portsmouth.
Pic: PA
The defence secretary is welcomed onto the bridge of HMS Diamond. Pic: Ben Birchall/PA
First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key said: “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.”
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The Merlin Mk4 helicopter is used by the Royal Marines and has been deployed globally to provide disaster relief.
According to the Royal Navy, it is considered the “world’s most advanced amphibious battlefield helicopter” and can carry up to 24 troops.
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.