Warning shots reportedly fired from Russian frigate near UK-registered yacht in the Channel

London, United Kingdom. Britain’s Ministry of Defence is investigating reports that sailors aboard a Russian frigate fired warning shots at a civilian yacht in the Channel near British territorial waters, according to a source familiar with the incident. No injuries were reported.

Incident details

The incident involved the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich and was being monitored by a Royal Navy vessel at the time, the source said.

A UK-registered yacht alleged that a Russian Navy vessel fired warning shots from a distance of about 500 yards, or 457 metres, according to the source. The incident took place about 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight, outside UK territorial waters.

Official response

Britain’s Ministry of Defence said it was investigating reports of an incident in the Channel.

The Russian embassy in London did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Context

On Sunday, British commandos boarded and intercepted a sanctioned Russian “shadow fleet” oil tanker in the Channel, in what was described as the first operation to disrupt oil revenue that helps fund Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The source said Tuesday’s event was not viewed as linked to that operation and was being treated as an isolated incident.