rki.news

Sources Xinhua

LONDON, June 17 – A Russian Navy frigate fired warning shots near a UK-registered yacht in the English Channel early Tuesday to prevent a potential collision, according to a BBC report.
The vessel, identified as the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich, encountered a “small, motorless” yacht drifting in foggy conditions around 20 nautical miles (37 km) south of the Isle of Wight.
According to the report, the warship first issued an audible warning before firing warning shots that were not directed at the yacht. The action was taken as the drifting vessel moved dangerously close to the frigate.
A spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Defence said the warning shots were a preventive measure aimed at avoiding a collision. The ministry stated that the frigate’s commander ordered “preemptive fire” with small arms after the distance between the two vessels closed to approximately 150 meters.
It added that the crew acted in strict compliance with international navigation regulations and took all necessary steps to ensure maritime safety.
Following the incident, the yacht reportedly altered its course and moved away from the Russian warship without further escalation, according to the report.