Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleRod MinchinWednesday 03 June 2026 18:03 BSTStarmer says Royal Navy helicopter crash in Devon is 'deeply worrying time' for families of those involvedThree Royal Navy personnel died after a Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed during a training exercise near Sourton Down, Devon, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.Emergency services were alerted around 3.45am to the incident, which involved a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter.General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, head of the Navy, expressed deep sadness, confirming the deaths and extending condolences to the families.Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary John Healey also conveyed their devastation and sadness over the tragic loss of life.The King and the Princess of Wales, Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, have been informed and expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased.In fullThree members of Royal Navy killed in Devon helicopter crashThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in