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Thursday November 14, 2024

UK's Royal Navy says one killed after helicopter ditches into English Channel

Prime Minister Keir Starmer deeply saddened by death; pays tribute to those involved in search operation

By Reuters
September 05, 2024
The Royal Navys Merlin helicopter from 820 Naval Air Squadron, fires flares after being airborne from HMS Prince of Wales, while embarked for NATO Exercise Steadfast Defender 2024, at an undisclosed location in this handout image released on February 28, 2024. — Reuters
The Royal Navy's Merlin helicopter from 820 Naval Air Squadron, fires flares after being airborne from HMS Prince of Wales, while embarked for NATO Exercise Steadfast Defender 2024, at an undisclosed location in this handout image released on February 28, 2024. — Reuters

LONDON: Britain's Royal Navy said on Thursday one person had been killed following an incident in which a helicopter was forced to ditch into the Channel during a training exercise.

"It is with great sadness that we must report a member of the Royal Navy has died following a training incident last night," the Navy said in a statement on X.

"A full investigation will take place. The incident involved a Merlin Mk4 helicopter in the English Channel near Dorset that ditched while conducting night flying exercises with HMS Queen Elizabeth. There were no other fatalities or serious injuries."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was deeply saddened by the death and paid tribute to those involved in the search operation.

"My thoughts are with the family and loved ones during this painful time," he posted on X.