A Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed into a field near Sourton Down, close to Okehampton in Devon, early Wednesday morning. The incident occurred just before 04:00 on June 3rd, resulting in the deaths of three crew members: Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, Britain's only female Royal Navy Commando; Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson; and Petty Officer Owen Green.
Key Takeaways
A Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed into a field near Sourton Down, Devon, early Wednesday morning, killing three crew members: Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, Britain's only female Royal Navy Commando; Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson; and Petty Officer Owen Green. Emergency services are at the scene with road closures in place.
- Three Royal Navy personnel identified as victims of helicopter crash
- Helicopter was on a training exercise when it crashed near Sourton Down, Devon
- Witnesses reported mechanical difficulties before the crash
- Princess Kate and Defence Secretary John Healey expressed condolences
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▼Source Claims Check
1 Difference FoundAll 6 publishers report consistent facts across 4 key claims. 1 point of difference noted.
| Claim | Status | Reason | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time Of Crash | 1 Difference | Majority reports just before 04:00; Daily Mail says around 3:15 | ▼ |
| Victims | Broad Agreement | Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson, Petty Officer Owen Green | |
| Helicopter Type | Broad Agreement | Merlin Mk4 helicopter | |
| Crash Location | Broad Agreement | Sourton Down, near Okehampton in Devon | |
| Cause Of Crash | Broad Agreement | mechanical difficulties reported by witnesses, investigation ongoing |
Time Of Crash
▼Majority reports just before 04:00; Daily Mail says around 3:15
Victims
Broad AgreementLieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson, Petty Officer Owen Green
Helicopter Type
Broad AgreementMerlin Mk4 helicopter
Crash Location
Broad AgreementSourton Down, near Okehampton in Devon
Cause Of Crash
Broad Agreementmechanical difficulties reported by witnesses, investigation ongoing
This analysis is AI-generated and may not perfectly represent each source's reporting. Always read the original articles for full context.
Emergency services and rescue teams are currently at the scene, with several road closures in place around the A386 and A30 Sourton Cross area. Witnesses reported hearing mechanical difficulties before the helicopter went down, with one witness claiming it was flying so low that it almost took the roof off their house.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that the Ministry of Defence has identified the aircraft as a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter. The police spokesperson stated that the incident is ongoing and more updates will be provided as they become available. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking in the House of Commons, acknowledged the crash and expressed concern for the families involved.
The exact cause of the crash has not been officially confirmed. The Royal Navy has stated that an investigation is underway and declined to make further comments at this time. Princess Kate paid a heartfelt tribute to the three crew members on X: '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.'
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, confirmed the deaths and sent his 'deepest condolences' to the crew's family and friends. Defence Secretary John Healey also expressed his devastation at the loss, stating that the personnel served with excellence and will be much missed.
Witnesses reported hearing a 'loud explosion' and an 'almighty flash of red' at around 3:15 am. The crash site is near several naval bases, including HMNB Devonport in Plymouth, and close to Okehampton Battle Camp, a military facility used for training helicopter crews.
The Merlin Mk4 has a generally good safety record, although in 2024 a Merlin Mk4 ditched while operating from HMS Queen Elizabeth off Dorset with the loss of the pilot. The helicopters are operated by the Fleet Air Arm and are used in anti-submarine and troop-carrying missions.
How this summary was created
This summary synthesizes reporting from 6 independent publishers using AI. All sources are cited and linked below. NewsBalance is a news aggregator and media literacy tool, not a news publisher. AI-generated content may contain errors or inaccuracies — always verify important information with the original sources.