The Ministry of Defence has demanded an urgent explanation from Moscow after a Russian warship fired warning shots at a British yacht in the English Channel this morning. The incident, which took place in international waters off the coast of Dover, has sparked a diplomatic row between London and the Kremlin.
According to the Royal Navy, the Russian vessel, identified as the frigate Admiral Gorshkov, approached the civilian yacht, the 'Sea Wanderer', at around 9am. The yacht, registered in Southampton and carrying four crew members, was on a routine voyage from Calais to Dover when the warship issued a series of radio warnings. When the yacht failed to comply, the Russian ship fired three shots across its bow.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly condemned the action as 'unprovoked and dangerous', stating that Russia's behaviour was 'completely unacceptable' in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. 'We expect a full and immediate explanation from the Russian government,' he said. 'The safety of British vessels and their crews is non-negotiable.'
Defence sources confirmed that two Royal Navy destroyers were dispatched to the scene, and the yacht was escorted to Dover harbour, where the crew were met by coastguard officials. None of the crew were injured, though they were described as 'shaken' by their ordeal.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between NATO and Russia, with the Kremlin accusing the West of 'provocative' naval activity near its borders. The UK has increased its naval presence in the Channel in recent months due to concerns over Russian spy ships and undersea cable threats.
Labour's shadow defence secretary John Healey said the government must ensure the Royal Navy has the resources to protect British waters. 'This is a stark reminder of the threat Russia poses to our maritime security,' he said. 'The prime minister must come to the commons and reassure the public that our navy is equipped to handle such aggressions.'
For the crew of the 'Sea Wanderer', the ordeal is over but the questions remain. 'We were just out for a sail,' one crew member told reporters. 'You never expect to be shot at in the English Channel. It's terrifying.'
