Ongoing Investigations into Royal Navy Helicopter Crash
Investigations continue following a helicopter crash that resulted in the deaths of three Royal Navy personnel during a training exercise.
Accident investigators and emergency services remain at the crash site in a field in Sourton near Okehampton, Devon. The incident occurred at approximately 03:45 BST on Wednesday.
Wreckage from the Merlin Mk4 helicopter, which is known to be based at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton in Somerset, is visible in the field where the crash took place.
Floodlights have been set up at the scene to enable investigation teams to work through the night as tributes continue to be paid to the three crew members, whose identities have not yet been confirmed.
Tributes and Official Responses
Tributes have been offered by the Princess of Wales, in her role as Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, the head of the navy General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Floral tributes have also been left at the incident command station established by investigators.
One of the floral tributes included a note stating:
"Our deepest condolences to your family and friends.
The Civil Aviation Authority has confirmed that the Defence Accident Investigation Branch will conduct the investigation into the incident.
Community Reactions
Several tributes were posted in the comments section of a Facebook post from RNAS Yeovilton, which shared a statement from the navy regarding the crash.
A comment from the Yeovilton Military Wives Choir read:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of those who sadly lost their lives. May they RIP."
Clive Saunders, posting on behalf of the RNAS Yeovilton and RNAS Culdrose Facebook Spotters Group, stated:
"I would like to extend our most sincere condolences at the loss of the three Merlin aircrew.
All of our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends at this incredibly sad time.
We also very humbly thank them for their selfless and dedicated service and know they will never be forgotten."
Further Information
For updates, follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.
