A tragic incident has struck the Royal Navy with the fatal crash of a Merlin Mk4 helicopter during a training exercise near Sourton, Devon, in the early hours of Wednesday, June 3. The aircraft went down in a field close to Okehampton, resulting in the deaths of three Navy personnel.
Although the exact base of the aircraft has not been officially confirmed, the Merlin Mk4 operates predominantly from Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton near Yeovil. Flight tracker data reveals that the helicopter believed to be involved had conducted five flights to Yeovilton over the past week. The crash location lies between the Navy’s air stations at Yeovilton and Culdrose in Cornwall.
RNAS Yeovilton publicly shared the Royal Navy’s statement expressing sorrow over the loss: “We are incredibly sad to report that three members of the Royal Navy have died during a helicopter training exercise near Sourton, Devon, in the early hours of Wednesday, 3 June. Our deepest condolences go to the families and loved ones. Emergency services responded quickly, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause. The families have been informed and are receiving specialist support.”
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The crash was first reported at approximately 4:30 a.m. near Sourton Cross on the A3079 Holsworthy Road. This prompted a multi-agency emergency response and advice for motorists to avoid the area. Flight tracking data shows a Merlin helicopter took off just after 2 a.m. near the A386, north of Sourton Down, and was last tracked near Copplestone around 2:22 a.m., though it remains unconfirmed if this was the aircraft involved.
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, head of the Royal Navy, conveyed his condolences, stating: “I am deeply saddened by the loss of three crew members onboard a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter near Sourton, Devon. This is a huge shock for our Naval community. My heartfelt sympathies are with the families and friends. We thank all emergency and rescue teams involved. The investigation will continue, and updates will be provided.”
The Merlin Mk4/4a fleet, consisting of 25 aircraft operated by the Commando Helicopter Force, is based at RNAS Yeovilton, as noted by Defence Equipment & Support, a Ministry of Defence body.
Expressions of sympathy have poured in from the community. The Yeovilton Military Wives Choir extended their “deepest and sincerest condolences” to the families, while Yeovil MP Adam Dance recognized the local impact, thanking emergency responders. Defence Secretary John Healey paid tribute to the fallen service members, highlighting their excellence. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the event “utterly tragic” and offered his thoughts to the affected families and emergency personnel.
King Charles III, the Head of the Armed Forces with longstanding ties to the Royal Navy, is expected to share his condolences privately with the bereaved families.