Russian Warship Fires Warning Shots at UK-Registered Yacht in English Channel

A Russian warship fired warning shots near a UK-registered yacht in the English Channel on a Tuesday morning after the two vessels came into close contact.

The incident, involving Russian frigate the Admiral Grigorovich, happened between the Isle of Wight and Normandy shortly before midday.

BBC News understands the small, motor-less yacht had drifted towards the warship in foggy conditions after setting off from the UK.

The Russian Defence Ministry said the yacht had been on a "dangerous approach" towards the warship, and its crew fired into its path with rifles after making several attempts to contact it over the radio and after launching warning flares.

It also said its sailors had acted in "strict accordance with international shipping regulations", while the British Ministry of Defence said it was investigating the incident.

A UK government source told BBC News a couple in their 60s were on board the yacht at the time. They said they did not hear when the Russian frigate sounded its horn. No injuries or damage have been reported.

An MoD spokesperson told the BBC: "Following attempts to contact a British vessel in the channel, the Grigorovich fired warning shots. These were not aimed at the vessel and were an attempt to prevent a possible collision."

A boat from HMS Tyne, a British patrol vessel, was sent to the yacht to gather details and check on the safety of the crew.

The incident comes days after Royal Marine Commandos intercepted a Russian shadow fleet tanker carrying sanctioned oil in the Channel on Sunday.

A former Royal Navy rear admiral, James Parkin, says the use of armed force is a last resort, reserved only for self-defence.

"I would not be surprised if it was a miscalculation, rather than a deliberate act to try and fire on a British yacht very close to British waters," he told BBC News.