Russian Frigate «Admiral Grigorovich» Fired Warning Shots at Yacht in English Channel
The UK Ministry of Defence is investigating an incident where the Russian frigate «Admiral Grigorovich» fired warning shots at a British yacht in the English Channel. No injuries were reported. The frigate has been in British waters for weeks, escorting «shadow fleet» tankers, raising concerns and prompting action from the British Navy.
The UK Ministry of Defence is investigating reports that the Russian frigate «Admiral Grigorovich» fired warning shots at a British-flagged civilian yacht in the English Channel.
The incident occurred around 11:40 AM on Tuesday between the Isle of Wight and Normandy. The yacht's crew reported that the «Admiral Grigorovich» fired a warning shot after the two vessels passed close to each other. There were no casualties or damage to the yacht.
The «Admiral Grigorovich» frigate of Russia's Black Sea Fleet has been near British waters for several weeks, escorting «shadow fleet» tankers. On Monday, the British Navy reported that two British vessels were monitoring it in the English Channel. Earlier, on Sunday, British forces intercepted the Russian «shadow fleet» tanker SMYRTOS in the English Channel, which will be inspected for risks. In March, Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed to intercept sanctioned vessels in British waters. In April, the «Admiral Grigorovich» escorted two sanctioned oil tankers through the English Channel, and the Kremlin stated Russia's right to defend against «piracy».