The British military is investigating reports that a Russian warship fired warning shots at a UK-registered yacht in the English Channel, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.
The report said the incident allegedly occurred about 20 miles south of the Isle of Wight, outside British territorial waters. No injuries or damage to the yacht have been reported. The Royal Navy vessel HMS Mersey was monitoring the Russian ship at the time.
According to the Associated Press, the investigation comes amid heightened scrutiny of Russian maritime activity in the region. The reported encounter took place just two days after British authorities boarded and detained a sanctioned tanker suspected of belonging to Russia’s so-called "shadow fleet."
Officials have not linked the two incidents. Meanwhile, the tanker’s captain, an Indian national, appeared in court and was ordered held in custody over allegations of transporting Russian oil in violation of international sanctions related to the war in Ukraine.
Related Tweet:
‘It is precisely in these moments that a Prime Minister…needs to be able to call upon vessels to react to these sorts of incidents.’
— GB News (@GBNEWS) June 16, 2026
GB News National Reporter Charlie Peters the significance of a Russian frigate firing at an English yacht in the Channel. pic.twitter.com/BrRJRFDV1p
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