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● LIVE Updated 1h ago · 19 sources tracked

Russian ship fires warning shots at British yacht in Channel

A Russian Navy vessel fired warning shots near a UK-registered yacht Tuesday in the English Channel, roughly 30 kilometres south of the Isle of Wight. The UK Ministry of Defence is investigating the incident, which occurred outside territorial waters. Russia claims the shots were fired to prevent a 'dangerous approach,' while the UK has described the action as 'reckless.' No injuries or damage have been reported.

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What changed

The distance of the incident from the Isle of Wight has been clarified to approximately 30 kilometres (20 nautical miles), and Russia’s Defense Ministry has issued a statement justifying the warning shots as a response to a 'dangerous approach.'

Live updates

  1. Russian frigate fires warning shots at British yacht in Channel; UK probes 'reckless' incident

    A Russian Navy vessel fired warning shots near a UK-registered yacht Tuesday in the English Channel, roughly 30 kilometres south of the Isle of Wight. The UK Ministry of Defence is investigating the incident, which occurred outside territorial waters. Russia claims the shots were fired to prevent a 'dangerous approach,' while the UK has described the action as 'reckless.' No injuries or damage have been reported.

    What's confirmed:

    • A Russian Navy frigate fired warning shots near a UK-registered yacht Tuesday in the English Channel, about 30 kilometres south of the Isle of Wight.
    • The UK Ministry of Defence is investigating the incident, which occurred outside British territorial waters.
    • Russia’s Defense Ministry stated the shots were fired to avert a 'dangerous approach' by the yacht.
    • No injuries or damage have been reported in the incident.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The UK has described the Russian action as 'reckless,' though this characterization has not been independently confirmed beyond initial reporting.
    confidence 95%

  2. Russian warship fires warning shots at British yacht in English Channel

    A Russian Navy frigate fired warning shots near a UK-registered yacht Tuesday about 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight, outside British territorial waters. The UK Ministry of Defence is investigating the incident, which occurred amid heightened tensions. Russia claims the shots were fired to avert a 'dangerous approach,' while the UK calls the action 'reckless.' No injuries or damage were reported.

    What's confirmed:

    • A Russian warship fired warning shots near a British yacht in the English Channel on Tuesday, approximately 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight, outside UK territorial waters.
    • The UK Ministry of Defence is investigating the incident, which involved a UK-registered civilian yacht.
    • Russia confirmed the warning shots were fired to divert the yacht, which it described as making a 'dangerous approach.'
    • The UK government described the Russian crew’s actions as 'reckless' and the incident as 'deeply concerning.'
    • The yacht’s retired crew told BBC Newsnight they altered course before the shots were fired and called the incident 'completely unnecessary.'
    • No damage or injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Shots were fired within 500 metres of the yacht near the Isle of Wight.
    • The incident is part of broader tensions between London and Moscow, potentially linked to the Ukraine war.
    confidence 98%