The Royal Navy is investigating whether a double engine failure was responsible after a crew member died when a Merlin helicopter ditched in the Channel during a night-flying training exercise near Dorset.
The exercise involved HMS Queen Elizabeth on Wednesday evening, the Ministry of Defence has said.
There were three crew members on board the helicopter, with two being rescued and taken to hospital, the BBC reported. They reportedly did not suffer serious injuries.
There were no other deaths or serious injuries, the Royal Navy said, adding that a “full investigation” will take place.
A senior Navy source told The times that the possibility of a rare double engine failure would form part of the probe. The helicopter had apparently lost all power before it ditched.
The Royal Navy said in an official statement: “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.”
— Royal Navy (@RoyalNavy) September 5, 2024
The third crew member, whose body was recovered, has not been named. HM Coastguard assisted in the rescue operation.
The BBC reported that another helicopter was taking part in the same training exercise.
Defence Secretary John Healey has described the death as “dreadful”.
He told the PA News agency while on a visit to HMS Diamond in Portsmouth: “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”.
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.”
Sir Keir paid tribute to the ship’s company “particularly those involved in the search-and-rescue operation”.
Admiral Sir Ben Key, the First Sea Lord, added that he was “intensely saddened by the tragic loss of one of our Royal Navy personnel.”
The helicopter is 75ft long and is designed to carry 24 personnel and equipment.
It is is also used in evacuation situations and for humanitarian missions.
The Merlin Mk4 hasjet engines which generate a total 6,500 horsepower and a top speed of 160 knots.
