A Russian warship fired warning shots near a British-registered pleasure yacht in the English Channel, according to authorities. The incident, which happened about 20 nautical miles (23 miles) south of the Isle of Wight, heightened tensions between the two nations.
The British Defense Ministry launched an investigation after the yacht reported being targeted by a Russian navy vessel. No injuries or damage occurred, and the yacht continued its journey from the UK to France. Reports suggest the yacht, lacking a motor, drifted toward the Russian vessel due to fog.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated that the frigate Admiral Grigorovich attempted to communicate with the yacht as it navigated dangerously close. After the yacht failed to respond, the ship’s crew used flares and sound signals. When the distance narrowed to around 150 meters (500 feet), the frigate fired warning shots across the yacht’s bow using small arms, prompting the yacht to change course. The ministry emphasized compliance with international navigation rules to prevent collisions.
The British account confirmed attempts to contact the yacht and acknowledged the warning shots aimed at preventing a collision. The Royal Navy’s patrol vessel HMS Mersey was monitoring the Russian ship and assisted the yacht’s crew.
Russian warships often pass through the English Channel and are typically watched by the Royal Navy. In April, the British military monitored Admiral Grigorovich as it escorted Russia-linked civilian vessels near the UK. The altercation occurred following the detention of a sanctioned tanker suspected of being part of Russia’s shadow fleet. British officials do not believe the two events are related.
The tanker captain, an Indian national accused of shipping Russian oil in violation of sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict, faced charges in court.
The British military has experienced several incidents with Russian vessels in the region. In November, Britain warned Moscow that any territorial intrusion would be countered after detecting the Russian spy ship Yantar near UK waters north of Scotland.
In April, Britain and Norway tracked a Russian attack submarine and two spy submarines north of the UK. A Royal Navy frigate, aircraft, and personnel followed the Russian vessels, preventing potentially harmful activities against underwater infrastructure.
Five years ago, Russia claimed to have fired warning shots and dropped bombs in the Black Sea to drive the British destroyer HMS Defender out of contested waters near Crimea. The UK denied this, stating its vessel was not targeted. This marked the first use of live ammunition against a NATO warship by Russia since the Cold War, highlighting rising military tensions between Russia and the West prior to the Ukraine invasion.