A member of Royal Navy personnel has died after a helicopter plunged into the English Channel last night, the Ministry of Defence has said.
In a statement released on Thursday afternoon, the MoD confirmed the incident took place while conducting a night flying exercise with HMS Queen Elizabeth in the water off the coast of Dorset.
A spokesman 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."
Merlin helicopters, pictured on the flight deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth
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Defence Secretary John Healey described the news as "dreadful" on a visit to HMS Diamond in Portsmouth today
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"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."
The craft involved was a Merlin helicopter - a type of rotorcraft which has been flying from the deck of the Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy's fleet flagship, since August 2018.
The MoD's statement on the incident referred to the helicopter "ditching" - meaning an emergency landing on a body of water.
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Merlins have been flying from the deck of the Queen Elizabeth since August 2018
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GB News understands three personnel were on board the helicopter when it entered the sea.
Two of the three did not suffer serious injuries and were rescued and hospitalised after the incident.
The third service member's body has been recovered.
Defence Secretary John Healey described the news as "dreadful" as he spoke to reporters on a visit to HMS Diamond in Portsmouth.
The Defence Secretary and Prime Minister described the incident as "dreadful" and "tragic"
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He continued: "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."
The Prime Minister said he was "deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of a member of the Royal Navy".
Sir Keir Starmer added: "My thoughts are with the family and loved ones during this painful time."