The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed that Russian naval warship fired warning fire against British sailing in the Channel on Tuesday, arguing that the vessel was following a dangerous course that would bring it to a very close distance from the frigate, "Admiral Grigorovich". The incident occurred south of White Island, except for British territorial waters, without reported injuries or damage.
The incident was recorded about noon Tuesday, about 20 nautical miles south of White Island, in international Channel waters.
As US network reports ABC News, according to a statement from the Russian Ministry of Defence, the frigate Admiral Grigorovich spotted a sailing ship with a British flag moving using a motorcycle on a course that Moscow claims would bring it to a dangerous short distance from the warship.
Heres what really happened in the English channel today.
"Today, June 16 at 12.45, the crew of thefrigate "Admiral Grigorovich" was decried a yacht named "Bright Future" under the British flag in the English Channel, which was headed towards a dangerous collision course. They... pic.twitter. com/fpNfaMHDtC— Chay Bowes (@BowesChay) June 16, 2026
Russian authorities reported that the crew of the frigate initially attempted to communicate via radio with the sailing vessel, while using flares and sound warning signals.
According to the Russian version, the sailing continued to approach the warship despite warnings.
When the distance between the two vessels was reduced to about 150 meters, the frigate governor ordered the firing of warning fire with portable armament in front of the sailing course.
"The ship immediately changed course and was removed from the warship," the Russian defence ministry said.
The communication also argues that "the Admiral Grigorovich crew acted in full compliance with international navigation rules and took all necessary measures to prevent an incident.".
The British defence ministry confirmed for its part that the Russian frigate went on to warn fire, after attempts to communicate with the British vessel had been preceded.
However, a spokesman for the ministry clarified that the fire was not directed against sailing.
"The fire was not aimed at the vessel and it was an attempt to prevent any conflict," the spokesman said.
The Royal Navy patrol car HMS Mersey reportedly watched the Russian frigate at the time of the incident.
After the incident, a HMS Mersey boat approached the sailing ship in order to collect information and confirm that the occupants were safe.
British authorities announced that no injuries or material damage were reported and that the sailing vessel continued its journey normally.
The incident occurred a few days after a Royal Navy operation in the Channel against the Smyrtos tanker, which is under sanctions due to its alleged involvement in Russia's so-called "shadow fleet".
Despite the timing of the two events, the British defence ministry stated that his investigation concluded that the incident with the frigate Admiral Grigorovich was individual and is not linked to the operation against Smyrtos.