Russian warship fires warning shots near British yacht in English Channel

A Russian warship fired warning shots in the English Channel after a British-flagged yacht allegedly approached too closely in dense fog, according to statements from both the Russian and British defense ministries.

The incident occurred approximately 37 kilometers south of the Isle of Wight, outside British territorial waters. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the warship, identified as the Admiral Grigorowitsch, fired warning shots, including with small arms, after multiple unsuccessful attempts to establish radio contact with the yacht, which it described as having "dangerously approached." Following the warning shots, the yacht reportedly altered its course.

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The yacht had dangerously approached.

The British Ministry of Defense confirmed this account, clarifying that the warning shots were not directed at the yacht itself but were intended to prevent a potential collision. "After attempts to contact a British vessel in the English Channel, the Grigorowitsch fired warning shots. These were not directed at the vessel and were intended to prevent a possible collision," a ministry statement read. Earlier, the ministry had stated it was investigating "reports of an incident in the English Channel."

There were differing accounts of the distance between the two vessels. The Russian ministry stated the yacht was 150 meters away, while the yacht's crew, who first reported the incident, claimed the distance was 450 meters. No injuries were reported, and the yacht sustained no damage. The British naval vessel HMS Tyne was dispatched to the scene to assess the situation.

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After attempts to contact a British vessel in the English Channel, the Grigorowitsch fired warning shots. These were not directed at the vessel and were intended to prevent a possible collision.