Britain’s Royal Navy helicopter has crashed in southwest England during a training exercise, the navy confirmed on Wednesday.
The plane, a Merlin Mk4 helicopter, went down in a field just before 4 a.m. It was not immediately clear what caused the incident.
Chief of Naval Staff General Gwyn Jenkins confirmed the events in a statement, saying he was “deeply saddened to share the news that a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter has crashed near Saughton, Devon this morning, killing all three crew members on board.”
According to the Royal Navy website, Merlin helicopters are used primarily for anti-submarine warfare, but also for search and rescue, cargo transfer and maritime patrol.
They usually have a crew of four and the capacity to carry up to 24 soldiers.
investigation underway
Britain’s Defense Ministry said the families of the victims had been informed.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the deaths were “extremely tragic” and expressed his “thoughts and sympathies” to the victims’ loved ones.
Jenkins said the investigation is ongoing and more information will be released as it becomes available.
Edited by: Zack Crellin