A British yacht reportedly received warning shots from a Russian warship in the English Channel after a close encounter to prevent a collision, as per defense sources. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning between the Isle of Wight and Normandy. The Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich was involved, along with a UK-registered civilian yacht.
The crew of the British yacht contacted French authorities, claiming that the Russian Navy vessel fired warning shots from approximately 500 yards away. The incident took place about 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight, beyond UK territorial waters. Both British and French vessels responded, with the offshore patrol vessel HMS Mersey monitoring the Admiral Grigorovich during the event.
A team from HMS Tyne, another patrol vessel, approached the yacht to gather information and ensure the safety of the crew. While investigations are ongoing, sources mentioned by Sky News suggested that the shots were meant as a precautionary measure to prevent a collision, possibly due to the frigate experiencing maneuvering difficulties, potentially linked to engine issues.
The defense source clarified that the shots were not aimed at the yacht but were a reasonable action. The yacht reportedly sustained no injuries or damages and continued its voyage. The Ministry of Defence stated that they are investigating the incident. The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed that the warship fired shots preemptively due to the yacht’s dangerously close approach, reducing the gap to just 150 meters.
The rising tensions between the UK and Russia have been noted, with a recent separate incident involving Royal Marine commandos and the National Crime Agency boarding the sanctioned Russian tanker Smyrtos in the Channel. The MoD indicated that there is no connection between Tuesday’s incident and the interception of the MV Smyrtos.
Security experts cautioned against linking the two occurrences, emphasizing that warships have the right to self-defense. They explained the standard protocol of escalating warnings, starting with VHF communication and leading up to warning shots. The Admiral Grigorovich, part of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, has been observed near British waters in recent months, possibly as a provocation tactic.
Labour MP Tan Dhesi highlighted the ongoing investigation into the Channel incident and expressed concerns over the threat posed by Russia. He emphasized the need to address the serious challenges presented by Russia’s actions.