MoD Investigates Russian Warship Warning Shots Near UK Yacht
The Ministry of Defence is currently investigating reports that a Russian warship fired warning shots near a UK-registered yacht in the English Channel.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:40am BST on Tuesday, in the waters between the Isle of Wight and Normandy. The Russian frigate involved is believed to be the Admiral Grigorovich.
There were no reported injuries or damage to the yacht following the incident.
"We are investigating reports of an incident in the Channel," a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said.
British authorities received reports from the UK-registered yacht indicating that the Russian vessel fired warning shots from a distance of about 500 yards (457 meters), which is considered relatively close in maritime terms.
The event reportedly took place roughly 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight, outside of UK territorial waters.
Context of Recent Naval Activity
This incident follows closely on the heels of a separate operation on Sunday, when Royal Marine Commandos intercepted a Russian shadow fleet tanker transporting sanctioned oil through the Channel. This was the first operation of its kind conducted by the British military.
However, British officials have indicated that they do not believe the warning shots incident is connected to Sunday’s tanker interception.
Russian warships frequently transit the Channel and are routinely monitored by Royal Navy vessels to ensure maritime security.
The frigate suspected of firing the warning shots was reportedly being shadowed by the HMS Mersey at the time.
On Monday, the Royal Navy stated that the Admiral Grigorovich had been tracked over the weekend by both HMS Tyne and HMS Mersey. This was described as a "routine operation" after the warship was observed off the coast of Brest, France.
The Admiral Grigorovich has allegedly been operating in the Channel for an extended period, conducting patrols and escorting elements of the Russian shadow fleet as they pass through this key shipping lane.
