Russian Frigate Fires Warning Shots Near UK-Registered Yacht in English Channel
A Russian warship discharged warning shots in the vicinity of a UK-registered yacht within the English Channel on Tuesday. The incident, transpiring at approximately 11:40 BST between the Isle of Wight and Normandy, involved the Russian frigate, the Admiral Grigorovich.
It is understood that the small, motor-less yacht had drifted towards the warship amidst foggy conditions after departing from the UK. The Russian vessel reportedly fired warning shots after issuing an audible alert for the yacht to alter its course.
Occupants of the yacht reported that the Russian vessel fired shots from approximately 457 metres away. No injuries or damage to the yacht have been reported. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated, "We are investigating reports of an incident in the Channel."
The event took place approximately 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight, outside UK territorial waters. While this incident follows Royal Marine Commandos intercepting a Russian shadow fleet tanker carrying sanctioned oil in the Channel on Sunday, officials reportedly do not view the two events as linked.
Russian warships routinely traverse the Channel under monitoring by Royal Navy vessels. The Admiral Grigorovich was reportedly being shadowed by HMS Mersey at the time. NATO sources previously indicated the frigate was tasked by Moscow to escort shadow fleet vessels through the Channel, remaining at sea for extended periods via resupply from a repair vessel, the PM-82.
