Standard checks ‘were missed’ before Royal Marine recruit Ethan Jones died

A Royal Navy investigation into the tragic death of an “exceptional” Royal Marine recruit after a training exercise in Cornwall will reportedly examine claims that instructors failed to conduct “standard” checks.

Recruit Ethan Jones, 20, died in Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, after being found submerged in the sea during the amphibious landing craft exercise on Tregantle Beach.  

Now, The Royal Navy’s Special Investigations Branch is said to be examining a “suggested failure by instructors to conduct adequate reconnaissance ahead of the exercise”, reports the Mail On Sunday.

It is also claimed the investigation will probe suggestions that Recruit Jones was not wearing an inflatable life saving device.

Several sources have reportedly told the newspaper that the water the trainee Royal Marines disembarked into was “for most, above head height” – and “recruits struggled to stay afloat because of the weight of the weapons and other equipment they were carrying”.

The Mail reports it is “standard practice” to “run adequate reconnaissance ahead of the exercise, to check the depth of the water off the Cornish coastline”.

“According to several sources, the instructors expected the water to be far shallower – as low as knee level – when the troops disembarked from landing craft on the morning of January 21,” reports the Mail.

“While other Marines were hauled out of the water, it was several minutes before Recruit Jones was found.” 

An inquest opened at Plymouth Coroners’ Court last week heard that as Ethan exited a landing craft,  he was “submerged in sea water, for roughly five minutes”.

The Mail also reports that Ethan was not wearing an “inflatable device which might have kept his head above water”.

When asked about the claims in the article, a Royal Navy spokesperson said: “The incident is still under investigation, therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

“The thoughts and sympathies of the Naval Service are with the family and friends of Recruit Jones.”

Ethan – who had been awarded the Commando Medal for embodying the qualities expected of Royal Marines – and had been described as an exceptional recruit.

Major Ian McGill, Royal Marines officer commanding Portsmouth company, said that Rct Jones “led by personal example on camp as well in the field” and was “formally recognised as one of the few recruits in his troop selected for additional responsibility as a recruit section commander”.

His tribute read: “Recruit Jones was an exceptional recruit who displayed all of the qualities of a Royal Marines commando. Incredibly enthusiastic, intelligent and driven, he always performed his duties to the highest standard.

“Ethan led by personal example on camp as well as in the field, he was identified early on in training as a man of promise – formally recognised as one of the few recruits in his Troop selected for additional responsibility as a Recruit Section Commander.

“As he approached the final weeks of training he was awarded the Commando Medal – nominated by his peers in a closed ballot as the individual who best personifies the commando spirit: courage – to get out front and do what is right, determination – to never give up, unselfishness – to always put others first, and cheerfulness in the face of adversity.”

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His section commander, corporal Dave Wright, described Rct Jones as “an all round exceptional Royal Marines recruit”, adding that he was “the embodiment of what a commando should be”. 

In a statement, Ethan’s family said: “Ethan died fulfilling his dream and doing something he loved,”

“He wanted to join the best of the best and challenge himself. Ethan loved the outdoor lifestyle and was looking forward to serving as a marine on operations around the world. We are very proud of all that he achieved.”