A member of Royal Navy personnel has died after a Mk 4 Merlin helicopter ditched in the Channel.
The helicopter ditched while conducting a night-flying exercise with HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Ministry of Defence has said.
According to the MoD, there were three crew members on board at the time of the incident and two of them were rescued and taken to hospital.
In a statement, the Royal Navy said: "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."
An investigation into the cause of the incident is taking place.
West Dorset MP Edward Morello said: "I am terribly saddened by the news of the loss of a member of our Royal Navy in the English Channel last night.
"My thoughts are with the family, friends, and colleagues of the serviceperson.
"I, like many, will want answers as to how this tragedy unfolded and what lessons can be learnt to ensure future loss of life can be avoided.
"I would like to thank all those, including the coastguard, involved in the search and rescue operation."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “deeply saddened” by the death of a member of the Royal Navy after a Merlin helicopter ditched in the English Channel.
He said: “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.”
Sir Keir paid tribute to the ship’s company “particularly those involved in the search-and-rescue operation”.
Defence Secretary John Healey has described the news as “dreadful”.
He told the PA News agency while on a visit to HMS Diamond in Portsmouth: “Dreadful news. Truly dreadful news.
“I use dreadful because this is what everyone connected to the armed forces (dreads), news of personnel in service dying.
“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.”
Senior Royal Navy Officer Admiral Sir Ben Key said: "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."
HMS Queen Elizabeth is described on the Navy’s website as “the largest and most powerful vessel ever constructed for the Royal Navy” which is capable of carrying up to 40 aircraft.
There are two types of Merlin helicopters currently in use in the Royal Navy, the mark-2 (Mk2) and the mark-4 (Mk4).
The MK4 features several modifications for use by the Royal Marines. These include a fast roping beam that allows the rapid deployment of Special Forces from the main cabin door.
The Mk2 is principally an anti-submarine warfare helicopter although this versatile aircraft can also provide other roles, such as search and rescue, cargo transfers and maritime patrol.
Since coming into service in 2014, the Merlin MK2s have been deployed from a number of platforms across the Royal Navy, including the Queen Elizabeth Class carriers, the Daring Class destroyers, the Duke Class frigates and the RFA vessels.
More to follow
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