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Russian Warship Fires Warning Shots Near UK-Registered Sailing Yacht
UK-flagged sailing yacht faces tense encounter after Russian naval vessel fires warning shots nearby. British Couple Describe the Tense Moments During the Sailing Incident. Photo is AI-generated for illustrative purposes.
The yacht was sailing approximately 23 miles (37km) south of the Isle of Wight in international waters when it came close to the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich. According to the yacht’s occupants, the warship sounded warning signals before firing several rounds of small-arms warning shots.
Jane and Alan Kelvey, the retired British couple aboard the yacht, described the moment as “surreal.” Jane Kelvey said the Russian warship first issued five blasts on its horn, which indicated a warning, and the couple immediately altered their course to show they had seen the vessel.
She said that shortly afterwards, the warship sounded another warning signal, followed by several small-arms shots, creating a frightening and unexpected situation at sea.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said the sailing yacht was approaching the warship on a “dangerous course” and could have come too close to the naval vessel. The couple rejected the claim, saying they were not on a collision course and had taken action to avoid any risk.
The incident has raised concerns over maritime safety and tensions at sea. UK officials described the use of warning shots near a civilian yacht as reckless, while the Ministry of Defence said the event appeared to be an isolated incident.
