Royal Navy's only female commando dies in helicopter crash

The identities of the three soldiers who lost their lives in a helicopter crash in the UK yesterday have been released. The UK Ministry of Defence announced that 31-year-old naval officer Lily-Mae Fisher, who served as the only female commando in the Royal Navy, was among those who died in the crash.

The names of the other naval officers who lost their lives in the crash were announced as 42-year-old Chris Gayson and 24-year-old Owen Green.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey described the fallen soldiers as "devoted and highly valued members of their fleet, representing the very best of the UK Armed Forces."

Labour Party MP Fred Thomas shared a photo of himself with Fisher on his social media account, stating, "Lily was a force of nature, the only female commando in service (in the Royal Navy), and she was an inspiration to young women, and frankly, even to me."

According to reports in the British press, Fisher, who was based in the town of Yeovil in the Somerset region of England, joined the Royal Navy in May 2019. Fisher, who successfully completed the 16-week commando course that very few women have been able to finish to date, also represented the UK at the 2021 Europe Triathlon Age Group Championships.

Helicopter crash claims three soldiers' lives

In a statement from the UK Ministry of Defence, it was noted that the crash occurred during a training exercise near the town of Sourton in the county of Devon at approximately 04:00 local time on Wednesday, and that the 3 soldiers in the helicopter crew lost their lives. Navy Commander Sir Gwyn Jenkins stated that the crashed helicopter was a "Merlin Mk. 4" type. While no details were provided regarding the cause of the crash, an investigation is ongoing.

The British press noted that extremely adverse weather conditions were affecting the region at the time the crash occurred.