British Yacht Encounters Russian Frigate in the English Channel
Jane and Alan Kelvey were sailing aboard their yacht, Bright Future, about 23 miles south of the Isle of Wight when they encountered the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich.
Warning Horn Blasts and Gunfire
The couple said the warship first sounded its horn with five short blasts before later firing several warning shots after they adjusted their course.
Couple Reject Russian Collision Claims
Jane Kelvey said the yacht was “definitely not on a collision course” with the Russian vessel and described the gunfire as unnecessary.
Russia’s Version of Events
Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed the yacht made a dangerous approach toward the frigate and said its crew followed international maritime regulations by issuing warnings before firing.
UK Defence Ministry Response
The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that the Russian warship fired warning shots but stressed that the crew did not target the British yacht. Officials described the event as an isolated incident and said the sailors acted to prevent a possible collision. read more
Investigation Into the Incident
The encounter took place in international waters around 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight.
Foggy Conditions May Have Contributed
Officials believe the yacht may have drifted toward the frigate in poor visibility, leading Russian sailors to view it as a potential collision risk.
Royal Navy Checks on Crew Safety
A boat from HMS Tyne met the yacht after the incident to gather information and ensure the crew remained safe.
Russian Naval Activity in the Channel
The incident occurred shortly after Royal Marine Commandos intercepted a Russian shadow fleet tanker carrying sanctioned oil through the Channel.
Admiral Grigorovich’s Ongoing Operations
The Admiral Grigorovich has operated in the Channel for several weeks, while Royal Navy vessels, including HMS Mersey, have closely monitored its movements.
NATO Monitoring of Russian Convoys
NATO sources previously said Moscow tasked the frigate with escorting Russian shadow fleet vessels through the Channel. Satellite imagery also showed support vessel PM-82 regularly resupplying the warship.
Former Royal Navy Admiral Weighs In
Former Rear Admiral James Parkin said naval forces typically use armed force only as a last resort and suggested the incident may have resulted from a misjudgment rather than a deliberate threat. know more
Tensions Between the UK and Russia
Although British officials do not link the warning shots to the recent tanker seizure, Parkin said the operation embarrassed Moscow because a Russian warship was already operating in the Channel when British forces intercepted the vessel.
Incident Draws Wider Attention
The encounter has attracted significant attention amid rising tensions between the UK and Russia and growing concerns about increasingly assertive Russian activity near British waters.