Russian warning shots: Sailboat couple gives entirely different account

A Russian warship fired warning shots in the English Channel, an incident that has escalated tensions between Russia and the United Kingdom. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that the frigate Admiral Grigorovitj fired shots after the sailboat Bright Future was on a "dangerous course" and failed to respond to hails.

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It was no incident until they started shooting.

However, the couple on board the sailboat, Jane and Alan Kelney, offered a starkly different account to the BBC. They described the event as "unreal" and asserted that there was no collision course until the shots were fired. According to the Kelneys, the warship first signaled with five horn blasts, indicating "have you seen us?" They responded with a course change to confirm visibility. "After a minute or so they honked five times again and immediately after that fired with small arms," Jane Kelney told the BBC, adding that there was no radio contact or warning flares.

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After a minute or so they honked five times again and immediately after that fired with small arms.

The incident took place south of the Isle of Wight. While Russian vessels are known to fire warning shots, this is reportedly the first time it has occurred in these waters. The Admiral Grigorovitj is often in the area escorting ships from Russia's "shadow fleet." British authorities are treating the event as isolated, but concerns linger about potential Russian retaliation against British shipping. This follows the recent seizure of the oil tanker Smyrtos, suspected of smuggling Russian oil to India in violation of sanctions. The tanker's captain faces charges under UK export sanctions.

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We were definitely not on any collision course... it was really no incident until the shooting started.