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UK Investigates Russian Warning Shots Near Isle of Wight
16 Jun
Summary
- UK Ministry of Defence investigates reported Russian warship warning shots.
- Incident occurred 20 nautical miles south of Isle of Wight.
- A UK-registered yacht reported the shots without damage or injury.
The British Ministry of Defence confirmed it is investigating reports concerning an incident within the Channel. A UK defence source indicated that a yacht had reported a Russian warship discharging warning shots. This event reportedly took place about 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight, positioning it just outside British territorial waters.
The UK-registered yacht alleged that the Russian Navy vessel fired these warning shots at a distance of approximately 500 yards. No injuries or damage were sustained by the yacht, which has since continued its voyage. A seaboat from the British naval vessel HMS Tyne was dispatched for a welfare check, and another British naval vessel, HMS Mersey, was monitoring the Russian ship at the time.
This incident is being treated as separate from a more recent event where UK commandos intercepted a suspected Russian shadow fleet vessel, the sanctioned oil tanker Smyrtos, off the southern English coast. The captain of the Smyrtos, Ajay Pant, has been charged with contravening UK sanctions and remanded in custody.
