- A Ramo Fêmea servidora mais graduada da marinha britânica, Lt Lily-Mae Fisher, foi identificada entre as três pessoas que morreram em queda de helicóptero durante um exercício de treinamento da Marinha Real, em Devon, por volta das quatro da manhã de quarta-feira.
- As outras vítimas foram Lt Cmdr Chris Gayson, 42, e Petty Officer Owen Green, 24; as famílias foram informadas e uma investigação já foi aberta para apurar as causas do acidente.
- O X-HE a MK4 caiu em um campo próximo a Sourton Down, perto de Okehampton, em condições climáticas muito ruins, com ventos fortes, chuva intensa e baixa visibilidade.
- O tenente-general Will Penkman, comandante do comando de helicopteros de combate, descreveu as perdas como trágicas e destacou o espírito da força. A aeronave Merlin Mk4 é usada principalmente para guerra anti-submarina, entre outras funções.
- Reações de autoridades e figuras públicas incluíram condolências de Keir Starmer e da Princesa de Wales; testemunha informou ter visto os motores falharem e um clarão vermelho antes da queda.
Britain’s only serving female naval commando is among three people who died in a helicopter crash during a Royal Navy training exercise in Devon early Wednesday. The MK4 helicopter went down in a field at Sourton Down, near Okehampton, around 4 am amid very poor weather.
The Ministry of Defence named the victims as Lt Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, Lt Cmdr Chris Grayson, 42, and Petty Officer Owen Green, 24. The families have been informed and an investigation into the crash has begun.
The defence secretary described the three as dedicated and valued members of their squadrons, embodying the best of the armed forces. The incident prompted tributes from officials and members of the public.
Vítimas e contexto
Lt Fisher, based in Yeovil, Somerset, joined the Royal Navy in 2019 and completed the all-arms commando course. She represented Britain in triathlon in 2021 and had previously appeared on television shows. Her career was marked by a strong commitment to service.
Investigação e operabilidade do helicóptero
The helicopter involved was a Merlin Mk4, typically used for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and patrols. Officials said weather conditions at the time were challenging, with strong winds, heavy rain and low visibility.
Reações oficiais
The secretary of defence and other officials express condolences to the families. The Princess of Wales, as commodore-in-chief of the Fleet Air Arm, said she and Prince William hold the families in their thoughts at this difficult time.
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