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Commanding Officer of HMS Somerset Joel Roberts, said of the operation that the ship's company had shown "great professionalism" and praised the strength of the co-ordinated Nato response, saying that "the ability to deliver integration of air and maritime operations remain some of our greatest assets."

"An officer took him to one side and told him the ship’s company had bets on if he was going to make it. The odds were against him."

Chris Terrill, who filmed the documentary, said the F-35 crash was "a shock to everyone", but said the response of the ship's company was "as immediate as it was extraordinary".

They said measures were being taken to "safeguard the ship's company" during an investigation, with HMS Richmond asked to provide cover if needed.

"It is good for the ship's company to step ashore and help out. The sailors were all smiles and happy to get cracking on with such a worthwhile task."