Royal Navy flier dies in helicopter crash in Channel during night flying training exercise with HMS Queen Elizabeth

A Royal Navy serviceperson has died in a helicopter crash in the Channel during a training drill. The incident involved a Merlin Mk4 helicopter that crashed while conducting night flying exercises with aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth near Dorset.

There were reportedly three crew members on board the helicopter at the time, two of which were rescued with the help of HM Coastguard and taken to hospital, according to the BBC.

They did not suffer any serious injuries and there were no other fatalities. The family of the deceased, who has not been named, have been informed.

A second Merlin helicopter was taking part in the same exercise and was also in the air at the time of the crash, the BBC added.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was 'deeply saddened' by the incident and paid tribute to HMS Queen Elizabeth's crew.

He wrote on X: 'Deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of a member of the Royal Navy.

'My thoughts are with the family and loved ones during this painful time.

'I pay tribute to ship's company, particularly those involved in the search and rescue operation.'

On a visit to Portsmouth, Defence Secretary John Healey said: 'Dreadful news. Truly dreadful news.

'All my thoughts and the thoughts of those in the wider navy I've been with today are with the family, the friends and the close colleagues of the one we've lost today.'

First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sir Ben Key, said in a statement on X: 'I am intensely saddened by the tragic loss of one of our Royal Navy personnel, following the incident in the English Channel last night.

'It is a huge shock to us all in the Naval Community, and our thoughts and condolences go out to the family at this time.'