PART of the Royal Navy helicopter which ditched in the sea off Dorset during a night-flying exercise - resulting in the death of a crewman - has been brought ashore.

A Merlin Mk4 helicopter ditched - a deliberate emergency landing on water - with three servicemen on board in Lyme Bay on Wednesday, September 4.

The serviceman who was killed was Lieutenant Rhodri Leyshon, 31, who was based at RNAS Yeovilton.

The aircraft was seen being brought into Portland Port on Thursday before being taken away on a lorry. It will be taken to be examined as part of the investigation into the tragedy. 

It's understood the tail section of the aircraft was recovered from the sea last week.

The remains of the RN helicopter that ditched in the sea on September 4 was brought to Portland today. The remains of the RN helicopter that ditched in the sea on September 4 was brought to Portland today. (Image: Geoff Moore)

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “The wreckage of a Commando Merlin Mk4 helicopter which ditched in the English Channel on Wednesday, September 4, has been recovered by specialist teams.

“The aircraft will now be inspected by the Defence Accident Investigation Branch who are leading the investigation.

"Our thoughts remain with Lt Leyshon's family and friends at this sad time."

There were three crew members on board at the time of the incident and two of them were rescued and taken to hospital, the Ministry of Defence previously said. 

The helicopter was training with the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth when the incident happened.

READ MORE: Royal Navy man who died after helicopter ditches in sea named

Lieutenant Rhodri LeyshonLieutenant Rhodri Leyshon (Image: MOD) 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.