Royal Navy aviator who died after Merlin helicopter ditched in Channel named by MoD

The Royal Navy serviceman who died when a Merlin helicopter ditched in the Channel during a training exercise has been named as Lieutenant Rhodri Leyshon.

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

A Navy spokesperson said helicopter crashed off the coast of Dorset on Wednesday night during the training exercise with the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier.

Defence Secretary John Healey said an investigation is underway into the incident.

A spokesperson for the family said: ““Rhod was so immeasurably loved by his parents, siblings, partner, friends and family, and he was devoted to them. Our lives will never be the same without him.

“We are all so very proud of the talented, passionate, strong and loyal man he was. We will always have him in our hearts. Our wonderful boy. The family request privacy at this extremely painful time.”

Lt Leyshon joined the Wales University Royal Naval Unit, which trains students, in 2010 and was commissioned into the Royal Navy in 2014.

He undertook flying training, specialising as a Commando Aviator, and completed a number of overseas deployments, including to the Caribbean, USA and Norway.

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For the past 18 months, Lt Leyshon had served in 846 Naval Air Squadron.

A Navy spokesperson said he was one of the Commando Helicopter Force’s “most trusted and highly capable aircraft captains and instructors, having honed his skills undertaking some of Defence’s most specialist aviation tasks”.

Commanding officer of Commando Helicopter Force at Yeovilton Colonel Mark Johnson said in a statement: “It’s immensely sad that we lost one of our family.

“Lt Leyshon was a consummate professional and a shining light with a bright future. He epitomised our team spirit and his loss leaves a huge hole in all our hearts.”

Commander of Joint Aviation Command Alastair Smith, said he had flown with Lt Leyshon a few days ago and praised his professionalism as a pilot and his warmth as a character.

He said: “He will be sorely missed.”