A somber announcement has come from the Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton after a tragic helicopter crash this morning claimed the lives of three Royal Navy personnel. The fatal accident occurred during a military training exercise near Sourton, Devon, in the early hours of June 3.
The aircraft involved was identified as a Merlin Mk4, commonly operated by squadrons based at RNAS Yeovilton, located near Yeovil in Somerset. Flight tracking data indicates that the helicopter had flown between Yeovilton and the Devon area multiple times in the days preceding the crash. The crash site is situated between two major Royal Navy airbases: Yeovilton and Culdrose in Cornwall.
RNAS Yeovilton took to Facebook to share the Royal Navy’s official statement expressing deep sorrow over the incident. The statement confirmed the death of three crew members and offered condolences to their families while affirming that specialist support is being provided. Emergency services responded promptly, and an investigation into the cause of the crash has been launched.
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The crash was first reported around 4:30 a.m. near Sourton Cross by the A3079 Holsworthy Road, prompting a multi-agency emergency response. Authorities requested drivers to avoid the area while rescue efforts were underway.
Flight tracking records show a Merlin helicopter took off north of Sourton Down shortly after 2 a.m., flew over Okehampton, made several circles near Copplestone, and then vanished from tracking approximately 20 minutes later. It remains unconfirmed whether this flight was the one involved in the crash, especially since authorities were notified over an hour after the helicopter disappeared from radar.
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, head of the Navy, expressed his grief in a statement, extending condolences to the Naval community and thanking Devon and Cornwall Police and rescue teams for their swift response. He confirmed that further updates will be provided as the investigation proceeds.
The Merlin Mk4/4a fleet consists of 25 aircraft operated by the Commando Helicopter Force based at RNAS Yeovilton, according to the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Equipment & Support body.
The tragedy has deeply affected the local and Royal Navy communities. Members of the RNAS Yeovilton enthusiasts group and the Yeovilton Military Wives Choir have shared heartfelt condolences on social media, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of the lost personnel.
Local MP Adam Dance acknowledged the significance of RNAS Yeovilton in the community and expressed his sympathies to those affected, also thanking emergency responders. Defence Secretary John Healey described the loss as devastating, paying tribute to the service and dedication of those who died. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the crash “utterly tragic” and extended his thoughts to the bereaved families and friends.
King Charles III, as head of the Armed Forces with a longstanding connection to the Royal Navy, is understood to offer his condolences privately to the families affected by this heartbreaking event.