A member of the Royal Navy has died after a helicopter ditched while conducting night-flying exercises with HMS Queen Elizabeth.

In a statement the 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 Channel near Dorset. There were no other fatalities or serious injuries, the Navy added.

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No other deaths or serious injuries were reported.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “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.”

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In a post on X, he paid tribute to HMS Queen Elizabeth ship’s company, “particularly those involved in the search and rescue operation”.

Defence Secretary John Healey has described the news of the death of a Royal Navy member of personnel as “dreadful”.

During a visit to HMS Diamond in Portsmouth, he said: “Dreadful news. Truly dreadful news”.

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“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.”

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