Russian frigate fires warning shots near UK yacht in English Channel

A Russian frigate fired warning shots near a UK-registered sailing yacht in the English Channel on June 16, prompting an investigation by Britain's Defense Ministry. The incident occurred approximately 20 nautical miles (37 kilometers) south of the Isle of Wight, outside UK territorial waters. The yacht, which had no motor, drifted toward the Russian vessel Admiral Grigorovich in foggy conditions, according to reports.

Russia's Defense Ministry stated that the frigate's crew attempted to contact the yacht after observing it on a dangerous course in close proximity to the warship. When the vessel did not respond to flares and sound signals, the ship's commander fired warning shots across the yacht's bow using small arms after the distance had closed to approximately 150 meters. The Russian ministry said the crew acted in strict accordance with international navigation rules to prevent a collision. Britain's Defense Ministry provided a similar account, confirming that warning shots were fired in an attempt to prevent a possible collision and were not aimed at the vessel.

No injuries or damage to the yacht were reported, and the vessel continued its journey from the UK toward France. At the time of the incident, the Russian frigate was being monitored by the British Navy patrol ship HMS Mersey, which provided support to the yacht's crew. British defense officials stated they do not believe the incident is linked to a separate operation two days prior in which British commandos boarded and detained a sanctioned tanker suspected of belonging to the Russian shadow fleet.

The incident reflects heightened tensions between Russia and the West in the region. Russian warships passing through the English Channel are routinely shadowed by the Royal Navy. This encounter follows previous close military encounters between Russian and British vessels, including an incident five years ago when Russia claimed to have fired warning shots and dropped bombs near the British destroyer HMS Defender in the Black Sea—a claim the UK denied.