Royal Navy member dies after helicopter makes emergency landing in the English Channel

The Royal Navy said the Merlin helicopter crashed off the coast of Dorset on Wednesday evening during a training exercise with the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.

Investigations into the cause of the incident are currently underway.

The family of the deceased, whose name was not disclosed, has been informed.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wrote in a message on X: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of a member of the Royal Navy.”

“My thoughts are with the family and their loved ones during this painful time.”

Sir Keir thanked the ship’s crew, “particularly those involved in the search and rescue operation.”

Defence Secretary John Healey described the news as “terrible”.

During a visit to HMS Diamond in Portsmouth, he told the PA news agency: “Terrible news. Truly terrible news.”

“I use the word horrific because that is what everyone involved in the armed forces fears: news of soldiers dying in action.

“All of my thoughts and the thoughts of those in the Navy I was with today are with the family, friends and close colleagues of the one we lost today.”

A statement from the Royal Navy said: “It is with great sadness that we announce that a member of the Royal Navy died last night as a result of a training incident.

“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 making an emergency ditching during night flying exercises with HMS Queen Elizabeth. There were no other fatalities or serious injuries.”

The Navy's website describes HMS Queen Elizabeth as “the largest and most powerful ship ever built for the Royal Navy” and capable of carrying up to 40 aircraft.

It is assumed that the aircraft carrier will continue to operate at sea.