Three Royal Navy members have died after a military helicopter crashed during a training exercise in Devon, the Ministry of Defense has confirmed.The incident happened near Sourton Down, near Okehampton, in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Emergency services were called to reports that a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter had crashed in a field at around 3.45am.The plane was participating in a training exercise when it crashed, according to the Defense Department.“It is with great sadness that we can confirm that three members of the Royal Navy lost their lives during a helicopter training exercise near Sutton, Devon, on Wednesday 3 June,” the ministry said in a post on X.The ministry added that the family of the deceased has been notified.“The service member’s family has been notified and requested a period of grace before further details are released. Our condolences and sympathies are with their family and friends at this sad time,” the statement said.The identities of the three individuals have not been released. Admiral Gwen Jenkins, First Sea Lord and Commander of the Royal Navy, said he was “deeply saddened” by the deaths.He said: “It is with great sadness that I can tell you that a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed near Sutton, Devon early this morning, killing the three crew members on board.“I know this is a huge shock to all of us in the Navy community, and I offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones affected 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.”Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to the scene shortly before 4am and emergency services attended the crash scene.
