UK investigates reports Russian ship fired at yacht in English Channel

The UK Ministry of Defence is investigating reports that a Russian Navy frigate fired warning shots toward a civilian yacht in the English Channel. The alleged incident took place approximately 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight, just outside UK territorial waters, on Tuesday.

According to reports from the UK-registered yacht, the Russian vessel fired shots at a distance of about 450 meters. Fortunately, there were no injuries or damage sustained by the yacht. The Ministry of Defence confirmed it is "investigating reports of an incident in the Channel."

This event occurred just days after British commandos intercepted and boarded a vessel suspected of belonging to Russia's "shadow fleet" in the same general area. While Russian warships routinely pass through the English Channel and are often monitored by the Royal Navy, officials have not linked these two separate incidents.

The UK military has had several close encounters with Russian vessels in the region. In November, Moscow was warned about potential incursions into UK waters, and in April, the UK and Norway tracked Russian submarines operating north of the UK. The Russian embassy in London had not immediately responded to a request for comment.

“

investigating reports of an incident in the Channel