Three members of Britain’s navy died in a helicopter crash in southwest England on Wednesday, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
The trio were onboard a Merlin Mk4 helicopter during a training exercise just before 4am (0300 GMT) when it came down near Sourton village, in the county of Devon.
It is with deep sadness that we can confirm three members of the Royal Navy have died during a helicopter training exercise on Wednesday 3 June near Sourton, Devon. pic.twitter.com/rbPBmHZvOu
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) June 3, 2026
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the deaths as “utterly tragic”.
“My thoughts are with the families, friends, and loved ones of the three members of the Royal Navy who sadly lost their lives this morning,” he said.
Utterly tragic.
My thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of the three members of the Royal Navy who sadly lost their lives this morning.
Thank you to the emergency services responding to this horrific incident. https://t.co/4K5gp30Oly
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 3, 2026
Head of the Navy General Gwyn Jones said an investigation had been launched into the cause of the crash.
