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Lieutenant Antony King

It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm that Lieutenant Antony King was killed when two MK 7 Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control (AsaC) helicopters collided over international waters in the Gulf. The helicopters were from 849 Squadron A Flight, which is based at the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, in Cornwall. The crash was not the result of enemy action and tragically there were no survivors.

Tony, who joined the Royal Navy in 1987 at the age of 19, had recently been selected for promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. A committed family man he lived with his wife Sarah and children David (5) and Molly (4) in their home in Helston. Tony valued his family and close friends above all else and his loss to them all has been devastating.

Tony and Sarah's families live in North Somerset where they both grew up. Following training as a Sea King Observer Tony was awarded his wings in 1990. In 1991 Tony served in HMS Ark Royal during the last Gulf War and was awarded the Gulf War Medal. Upon his return he joined the 849 Squadron HQ staff at Culdrose and in 1994 he married Sarah at their parish church in Somerset. In 1996 Tony deployed to the Adriatic and was again awarded a campaign medal for his service.

His son David was born in 1997 followed by the birth of Molly in 1999. Although the family have made several moves to further Tony's career they have always regarded Helston as home. They purchased their dream house in 2001 and, with the help of his best friend, Tony took up the art of DIY. The family are closely connected with St Michael's Church Primary School where Sarah was a teacher (now a governor) and their son David is a pupil.

Tony's family described him as a "larger than life" character with a "tremendous presence". He had a passion for rugby and as a young man had captained the Yatton Colts. In more recent years he has played for Stithians. Popular with his squadron Tony's colleagues were delighted by the news of his forthcoming promotion and considered it well deserved.

Tony has left all who his life touched with affectionate and happy memories. Sarah summed him up by saying, "Tony made people laugh".

Lieutenant Philip West RN

It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence can confirm that Lieutenant Philip West was killed when two MK 7 Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control (AsaC) helicopters collided over international waters in the Gulf. The helicopters were from 849 Squadron A Flight, which is based at the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, in Cornwall. The crash was not the result of enemy action and tragically there were no survivors.

Phil, aged 32, lived in Budock Water with his fiancée Nicky who works as a nurse at Treliske hospital. The couple were due to be married in August this year and had been converting a barn together.

As a boy Phil lived in Carlisle, moving when he was 10 to Hoy Lake on the Wirral. He went to Salford University when he was 18 and joined the University Royal Naval Unit where he developed his interest in the RN. Having obtained his degree he joined Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth in 1992 and commenced officer training. His parents recall how he had always wanted to fly and his decision to join the service made them extremely proud. Following Sea King Observer training he gained his wings in 1994. Phil served in HMS Invincible during the Adriatic deployment of 1996 and was awarded the campaign medal for his service.

Nicky and Phil met in Falmouth in 1998 when he was serving at RNAS Culdrose. Since settling in the region Phil, much to the amusement of his family, had become quite a countryman. He loved his dog Georgie and Nicky's four horses. Nicky's parents Steve and Sandra, who live in Budock Water, adopted him into their family and Steve introduced him to the game of golf of which he became a devotee.

Both families were looking forward to celebrating the couple's marriage in August and his tragic loss is so hard to bear. However, they have all been overwhelmed by the tremendous support that they have received from friends and family which is proving a great comfort.

Phil was known throughout 849 as "Stretch" on account of his height (6'4"). He was admired by his colleagues for his professionalism and always put those he was with at their ease. Nicky described him as, "patient, thoughtful and considerate." All those who were close to him miss him greatly.