King 'profoundly shocked' by navy helicopter deaths

The King said he was "profoundly shocked" by the deaths of three Royal Navy personnel in a helicopter training crash.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed Lt Cdr Chris Gayson, 42, Lt Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, and Petty Officer Owen Green, 24, died in the incident on Wednesday in Sourton, near Okehampton, Devon.

Speaking publicly for the first time about the crash, King Charles said he held the three service personnel "in the highest regard".

An investigation into the crash is being conducted by the Defence Accident Investigation Branch.

The King, who flew with the navy in the 1970s, spoke while he presented new colours to Royal Marines Commandos during a ceremony at Windsor Castle on Friday.

He said: "I also wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge with the greatest sadness the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter on Wednesday.

"As a former Junglie pilot 845 Naval Air Squadron, I was profoundly shocked to hear this most tragic news.

"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families, friends and colleagues of those involved.

"Their service is held in the highest regard and they remain very much in our prayers."

A minute's silence was held for Gayson, Green and Fisher ahead of the event.

The King, who has privately written to their families, said he knew the "devastating incident" would have affected everyone at the ceremony.

"However, it is most heartening to see the representatives of some of our oldest and closest international allies and partners present on this very special occasion," he added.

"I can only pray that these bonds of friendship, forged through shared ordeals based on shared ideas, continue in the years ahead."

Further tributes have been paid following the deaths of Gayson, Green and Fisher.

Colleague and friend Cdr Alex Kelley said the deaths of all three, who were based at RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, would be felt by everyone who knew them and were a "devastating" loss to the navy, while Defence Minister Luke Pollard said the news was "utterly heartbreaking".

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, Kelley said Gayson, Fisher and Green were "exceptionally professional and highly respected members" of the navy.

She said: "The loss of any of us is always felt by all of us.

"Their loss will be felt far and beyond their family and friends, commander helicopter force and everyone they knew - it's devastating."

Pollard said: "We don't know the cause, it's the loss of three bright young people doing something that keeps us all safe.

"To see the outpouring of the community for three incredibly brave people shows how important it is to value service and remember those who give their all to keep us all safe."

Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke said she was "absolutely devastated", adding: "Devastated for the victims themselves, devastated their families and colleagues.

"The whole of the military service is a really close-knit community.

"I know every single person within the military, whether serving or veterans, will be absolutely devastated by this horrible news."

Speaking previously to the BBC, Fisher - who was training to be a pilot and was due to get her wings later this month - said getting to wear a green beret, which is worn exclusively by those who pass the commando course, was "a real honour".

Kelley said Fisher, from Virginia Water in Surrey, was "one of the most down-to-earth, friendly and selfless people" she had ever met and was someone who took every opportunity she could.

"You make the opportunities, you make the experiences in life, they don't come to you, so she had that attitude and it passed onto others," Kelley, who met Fisher while they trained for a challenge to row across the Atlantic, said.

"She did some really hard things but she was honest with the challenges that she faced while doing those, so that became relatable to others who were also maybe thinking about pursuing different things.

"She just inspired people that they could believe and achieve whatever they wanted."

Tributes have also been paid to Fisher by British Triathlon after she represented Britain at the 2021 European Age Group Triathlon Championships.

"Lt Fisher competed for the Great Britian Age Group team at the European Championships back in 2021, after finding triathlon when lockdown closed gyms and indoor sports venues," a spokesperson for the governing body said.

"She was an inspiration to many and not one to back down from a challenge.

"Our sincere condolences go out to her family and friends."

The Royal Marines Charity said Gayson was highly respected and "whose service and leadership left a lasting impact on those who worked alongside him".

It added Fisher broke barriers with her "determination, professionalism and commitment to service", and that Green was a "dedicated sailor and valued member of his team".

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, colleagues and all those affected by this devastating tragedy," the charity said.

HMS Raleigh, where Green did his initial training, said the entire naval family would be affected by the deaths.

"In times like these, we are reminded that we stand together as one navy, supporting one another through both the challenges and the sacrifices that service can bring," a Facebook post from HMS Raleigh, based in Torpoint, Cornwall, added.

Floral tributes have been left at the scene of the crash and outside RNAS Yeovilton's base.

A note on one of the tributes at Yeovilton said: "Deepest condolences to your family, friends and colleagues. Blue skies."

On another bouquet laid near to the scene, a card read: "Thank you for your service."

On Thursday, the families of the three crew members all paid tribute.

Fisher's relatives said she was "an extraordinary woman", adding: "She has left an immeasurable hole in our lives, and in all the lives she has touched and inspired."

The family of Green, from Hampshire, said their "hearts will forever be broken" following his death.

"His kindness, warmth, and character touched everyone who knew him," they added.

The family of Gayson, from Somerset, said he was "an extremely kind and gentle family man".

They added: "He was also passionate about and dedicated to his job in the Royal Navy."