One person has died after a Royal Navy helicopter ditched in the English Channel near Dorset last night.
They died while conducting night flying exercises with HMS Queen Elizabeth, according to a navy spokesperson.
There were three crew members onboard the Merlin Mk4 helicopter at the time of the incident – two were rescued and taken to hospital.
The person who died has not been named.
A statement from the Royal Navy says: “It is with great sadness that we must report a member of the Royal Navy has died following a training incident last night.
“Our thoughts are with the family – who have been informed – and all those affected at this sad time. 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.”
Photo: Royal Navy used under licence
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