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Three members of the Royal Navy have died in a helicopter crash in Devon during a training exercise, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) have said.
Emergency services were called to the scene of the incident at Sourton Down, near Okehampton around 4am on Wednesday.
The head of the Navy, Gen Sir Gwyn Jenkins, said in a statement: “I am deeply saddened to share the news that three crew members onboard a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter have died after it crashed in the early hours of this morning near Sourton, Devon.
“I know this will come as a huge shock to all in our naval community, and my deepest condolences go out to the families, friends and loved ones impacted by this tragedy.
“I would like to thank Devon and Cornwall police and the search and rescue teams who responded to the incident this morning. An investigation is under way and further updates will be provided in due course.”
In a post on social media, the MoD added: “It is with deep sadness that we can confirm three members of the Royal Navy have died during a helicopter training exercise on Wednesday June 3 near Sourton, Devon.
“The families of the service personnel have been informed and have requested a period of grace before further details are released. Our thoughts and sympathies are with their families and friends at this sad time.”
Speaking in the House of Commons earlier, the prime minister, Keir Starmer, said: “I’m aware of a Royal Navy helicopter crash this morning in Devon. This will be a deeply worrying time for the families and more information will be set out as soon as possible.”
The defence secretary, John Healey, said: “I am devastated by the loss of three service personnel. They served with excellence and will be much missed.
“All our thoughts are with their families, friends and those they served with at this incredibly sad time. I thank the emergency services for their response.”
There are several naval bases near the crash site, which is on the edge of Dartmoor. HMNB Devonport in Plymouth, on the south-western edge of Dartmoor, is the largest naval base in western Europe. Other nearby bases include RM Tamar, CTCRM Lympstone and BRNC Dartmouth.
The area is between the Royal Navy’s airbases at Yeovilton in Somerset and Culdrose in Cornwall.
The scene of the crash is close to Okehampton battle camp, a military facility on the edge of Dartmoor which has been used for training Merlin helicopter crew from the commando helicopter force.
