Russian warship fires warning shots near UK yacht in English Channel

A Russian warship fired warning shots near a UK-flagged yacht in the English Channel after the vessel appeared to be on a potential collision course, according to Russia’s defence ministry.

The incident involved the yacht Bright Future and the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich on Tuesday.

No injuries or damage were reported, and the yacht continued its journey.

Russia’s defence ministry said the yacht was “on a dangerous course” and would come into “close proximity” with the warship.

The ministry said several attempts to contact the yacht by radio went unanswered.

After launching signal flares, the Russian crew claimed the yacht continued its “dangerous approach” .

According to the ministry, when the vessel came within about 150 metres, the frigate’s commander “decided to open warning fire along the vessel’s course using the ship’s small arms.”

The yacht then altered its course, the ministry said: “The crew of the frigate ‘Admiral Grigorovich’ acted in strict accordance with international maritime regulations and took all necessary measures to prevent an incident.”

A UK Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the warning shots were not directed at the yacht but were “an attempt to prevent a possible collision.”

The incident took place around 32 kilometres south of the Isle of Wight, outside UK territorial waters.

British officials said the Russian vessel was being monitored by HMS Mersey, a Royal Navy patrol ship operating in the area at the time.