GB News ground to a halt minutes into the afternoon show as hosts Emily Carver and Mark White delivered some devastating breaking news. On Wednesday (June 3), the dynamic duo returned to the airwaves to deliver the biggest stories hitting the headlines. But minutes before they interviewed a politician live on air, they issued a heartbreaking d3ath announcement coming from the heart of Devon.
A Royal Navy spokesperson has since released a statement following their d3aths. It read: “It is with deep sadness that we can confirm three members of the Royal Navy have d!ed during a helicopter training exercise. Our thoughts and sympathies are with their families and friends at this sad time.”
The head of the Navy, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, added in a statement that he was “deeply saddened to share the news”, and confirmed it was a Merlin Mk4 helicopter that was involved. He added: “I know this will come as a huge shock to all in our Naval community, and my deepest condolences go out to the families, friends and loved ones impacted by this tragedy.
“I would like to thank Devon and Cornwall Police and the search and rescue teams who responded to the incident this morning. An investigation is under way, and further updates will be provided in due course.” Devon and Cornwall Police said earlier this morning that emergency services were at the scene of the incident at Sourton Down, near Okehampton.
The Navy added on Wednesday morning that the crash took place just before 4am. Several road closures were in place around the A386 and A30 at Sourton Cross following the incident. According to Traffic England, disruption was expected on the A30 eastbound exit slip to the A386 until around 12.30pm.
The helicopter crash claimed the lives of three Royal Navy officers (Image: Getty Images)
The Royal Navy’s two air bases are located close to Devon: RNAS Culdrose, one of Europe’s largest helicopter bases, is located near Helston in Cornwall, while RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset houses more than 100 aircraft. The scene of the crash is close to Okehampton battle camp, a military facility on the edge of Dartmoor which has been used for training Merlin helicopter crews from the Commando Helicopter Force.
Merlin helicopters, such as the Merlic Mk4 involved in the accident, usually have a crew of four but can carry up to 24 troops. Sir Keir Starmer has since commented on the incident, branding it “utterly tragic” in his latest speech. He told the press: “My thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of the three members of the Royal Navy who sadly lost their lives this morning. Thank you to the emergency services responding to this horrific incident.”
