A British yacht reportedly faced warning shots from a Russian warship in the English Channel to prevent a potential collision, as per defense sources. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning between the Isle of Wight and Normandy. Involved were the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich and a UK-registered yacht, suspected to be a civilian vessel.
The crew on the British yacht contacted French authorities, claiming that the Russian Navy vessel fired warning shots approximately 500 yards away. The shots were discharged about 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight, beyond UK territorial waters. British and French ships responded, with the HMS Mersey offshore patrol vessel monitoring the Admiral Grigorovich during the event.
Following the incident, a boat from HMS Tyne, another patrol vessel, approached the yacht to collect information and ensure the crew’s safety. Although investigations are ongoing, defense sources mentioned by Sky News suggested that the shots were a precautionary measure to prevent a collision, possibly due to the frigate experiencing maneuvering challenges, potentially related to engine issues.
The defense source clarified that the shots were not directed at the yacht but were intended to signal the need to maintain a safe distance to avoid a potential mishap. No injuries or damages were reported on the yacht, which is said to have continued its voyage. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesperson confirmed that an inquiry into the Channel incident is underway.
The Russian Defence Ministry stated that the warship fired shots preemptively as the yacht dangerously approached the Admiral Grigorovich, narrowing the gap to just 150 meters. The ministry emphasized that the frigate’s crew attempted to contact the yacht through radio channels and used flares and sound signals to warn them, but the yacht persisted in its hazardous approach until the shots were fired.
The episode coincides with heightened tensions between the UK and Russia. However, the MoD clarified that the incident is not linked to the interception of the MV Smyrtos, a Russian tanker seized by British forces for breaching sanctions. The captain of the tanker, carrying 98,000 tonnes of oil, appeared in court charged with sanctions violations.
While a security expert cautioned against connecting the two incidents, emphasizing that such defensive actions are common maritime practices, Labour MP Tan Dhesi highlighted the dangerous global environment, especially with Russia posing a significant threat. The Admiral Grigorovich, part of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, has been observed near British waters in recent months, possibly to provoke nearby naval vessels.