Defence authorities were investigating a maritime incident where a Russian warship fired warning shots near a British yacht off the coast of the UK. This encounter marked a significant direct interaction between the Russian military and a UK vessel, although military officials downplayed its severity. The incident occurred as the Kremlin frigate Admiral Grigorovitch fired shots at the leisure yacht sailing between the Isle of Wight and Normandy.
According to UK defense sources, it is unclear whether the Russian vessel fired live rounds or flares, but the action was clearly intended as a warning to the crew of the yacht. The near-miss took place 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight in international waters, outside of UK jurisdiction. This event follows the recent seizure of a suspected sanctions-violating vessel belonging to the Kremlin’s shadow fleet, the Smytros.
The British yacht crew reported the incident to authorities, prompting an investigation by the crews of two British warships, HMS Mersey and HMS Tyne. The Admiral Grigorovitch, known for its cruise missile capabilities and a variety of powerful armaments, has been a key asset for the Kremlin in conflicts such as the Syrian civil war.
Allegedly, the Russian Navy vessel fired shots at a distance of 500 yards from the British yacht, as reported by the sailors who contacted French authorities. The Royal Navy patrol boats were monitoring the Kremlin frigate at the time of the incident and the seizure of the shadow fleet vessel south of the Isle of Wight. The Ministry of Defence confirmed they are looking into the Channel incident, where no injuries or damages were reported on the British yacht. HMS Tyne dispatched a seaboat to ensure the safety of the yacht’s passengers.
The timing of this event, occurring shortly after the seizure of the Russian vessel by UK Royal Marines, has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the maritime confrontation.