UK Investigates Reports Russian Warship Fired Warning Shots Near Yacht in English Channel
The UK Ministry of Defence is investigating allegations that a Russian warship fired warning shots near a UK-registered yacht in the English Channel on Tuesday. No injuries or damage were reported.
The incident occurred at around 11:40am BST on Tuesday between the Isle of Wight and Normandy, reportedly involving the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich.
British authorities received reports from the yacht that the Russian vessel had fired warning shots from about 500 yards (457 meters) away, a relatively close distance for maritime travel. The location was approximately 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight, outside UK territorial waters. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson confirmed they are investigating the reports.
The incident is not believed to be linked to a separate operation on Sunday. Russian warships regularly transit the English Channel and are routinely shadowed by Royal Navy ships. The frigate involved in Tuesday's incident was being escorted by HMS Mersey.
On Monday, the Navy stated that Admiral Grigorovich had been tracked by HMS Tyne and HMS Mersey over the weekend in what was described as a "routine operation" after it was spotted off the coast of Brest, France. The warship is alleged to have been operating in the Channel for some time, patrolling and escorting vessels from the Russian shadow fleet that pass through the shipping lane.
