Princess Kate has paid a heartfelt tribute to the three Royal Navy crew members who died after a helicopter crashed during a training exercise in Devon. The Merlin helicopter came down in a field at Sourton Down near Okehampton in the early hours of Wednesday, scattering debris across the area. Witnesses reported hearing a 'loud explosion' and seeing an 'almighty flash of red' amid the tragedy.
Royal Condolences
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, confirmed the three deaths and sent his 'deepest condolences' to the crew's families and friends. Princess Catherine took to X to express her sorrow, stating that she and Prince William hold the families and friends of the deceased in their 'hearts at this very difficult time'. She wrote: 'I was so saddened to hear of the tragic loss of three service personnel from the Fleet Air Arm following a helicopter training exercise last night. William and I hold their families and friends in our hearts at this very difficult time.'
The Daily Mail understands that the Prince and Princess of Wales will contact the families directly in the coming days. King Charles III has also been informed of the crash and will write privately to the families.
The Crash Scene
The crash site is located between the Royal Navy's air bases at Yeovilton in Somerset and Culdrose in Cornwall, close to Okehampton battle camp, a military facility used for training Merlin helicopter crews from the Commando Helicopter Force. Police were called to the scene just before 4 am, and the cause of the incident remains unknown. Several local roads, including the A30, were closed.
Residents reported hearing unusual noises. One local said: 'Two helicopters last night flew so close to my house that the windows shook and my children were woken by it.' Another witness, who lives less than a mile from the crash site, said: 'It sounded as if the helicopter was not right as it flew over the house. It was so low it almost took the roof of the house off. The house really shook and there was a huge bang shortly afterwards.'
Official Responses
Defence Secretary John Healey said he was 'devastated' at the deaths of personnel who 'served with excellence and will be much missed'. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson confirmed the families have been informed and requested a period of grace before further details are released. At Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged the crash, saying it would be a 'deeply worrying time for the families'.
The Merlin helicopter has a generally good safety record, though a similar model ditched off Dorset in 2024, resulting in the loss of the pilot. Merlins have been in service since 2000 and are used for anti-submarine, troop-carrying, search and rescue, and maritime patrol missions.
Ongoing Investigation
Devon and Cornwall Police are leading the investigation, with support from the Ministry of Defence. A multi-agency response, including fire crews and mountain rescue teams, remains at the scene. Road closures are still in place, and motorists are advised to avoid the area.
Sir Gwyn Jenkins added: 'I would like to thank Devon and Cornwall Police and the search and rescue teams who responded to the incident this morning. An investigation is under way.' Further updates are expected in due course.
