A British yacht reportedly faced warning shots from a Russian warship in the English Channel to prevent a potential collision, according to defense sources. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning between the Isle of Wight and Normandy involving the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich and a UK-registered civilian yacht.
The British yacht crew contacted French authorities claiming that the Russian Navy vessel fired warning shots from approximately 500 yards away. The shots were fired about 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight, outside UK territorial waters. Both British and French vessels responded, with HMS Mersey monitoring the Admiral Grigorovich during the incident.
HMS Tyne dispatched a boat to the yacht to gather information and ensure the crew’s safety. While investigations are ongoing, defense sources suggested that the shots were meant as a precautionary measure due to the frigate’s apparent difficulty in maneuvering, possibly due to engine issues.
The defense source clarified that the shots were not aimed at the yacht and were deemed reasonable under the circumstances. No injuries or damages were reported on the yacht, which continued its journey. The Ministry of Defence is investigating the incident.
The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed that the warship fired shots preemptively as the yacht dangerously approached, narrowing the gap to just 150 meters. The ministry stated that despite attempts to communicate with the yacht, it did not alter its course, leading to the warning shots.
The incident comes amidst heightened tensions between the UK and Russia. In a separate event, Royal Marine commandos and NCA officers boarded the sanctioned Russian tanker Smyrtos in the Channel on Sunday. The MoD stated that Tuesday’s incident is not linked to the interception of the MV Smyrtos.
The seizure of the tanker marked the first such action by British forces, with the tanker’s captain facing charges for breaching sanctions. A security expert cautioned against linking the two incidents, emphasizing that warships are entitled to self-defense measures in such situations.
The Admiral Grigorovich, part of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, has been observed near British waters recently, possibly to provoke nearby naval ships. Labour MP Tan Dhesi highlighted the seriousness of the Channel incident and the direct threat posed by Russia in the current global landscape.
