The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence (MoD) has launched an investigation into reports that a Russian warship fired warning shots near a UK-registered yacht in the English Channel.
According to reports, the incident occurred at approximately 11:40 a.m. BST on Tuesday in waters between the Isle of Wight and Normandy. The vessel involved is believed to be the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence confirmed that authorities were examining the incident, stating: "We are investigating reports of an incident in the Channel."
British authorities reportedly received information from the yacht alleging that the Russian vessel fired warning shots from a distance of about 500 yards. No injuries or damage to the yacht have been reported.
The incident is understood to have taken place around 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight, outside UK territorial waters.
The development comes just days after Royal Marine Commandos intercepted a Russian "shadow fleet" tanker carrying sanctioned oil through the Channel. The operation was described as the first of its kind conducted by the British military.
However, British officials reportedly do not believe the latest incident is connected to Sunday's operation involving the Russian tanker.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported encounter in one of the world's busiest maritime routes.
