Starmer Condemns Russian Frigate's Warning Shots at UK Yacht 20 Miles off Isle of Wight
Updated
Updated · CNN · Jun 16
Starmer Condemns Russian Frigate's Warning Shots at UK Yacht 20 Miles off Isle of Wight
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Jun 16
Summary
Keir Starmer said the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich acted “recklessly” by firing warning shots at the UK-flagged yacht Bright Future in the English Channel, calling the episode “deeply concerning.”
Jane Kelvey, one of two sailors aboard, said the yacht was in international waters and not on a collision course; after the warship sounded two sets of five horn blasts, it fired four to five rounds she called “completely unnecessary.”
Russia’s defense ministry said the yacht ignored radio calls and signal flares, kept a dangerous approach and came within 150 meters, prompting small-arms warning fire along its course under maritime rules.
The UK Defense Ministry said the shots were not aimed at the yacht but were intended to prevent a possible collision; Starmer said officials concluded the Russian vessel had been drifting.
The incident happened 20 miles south of the Isle of Wight, outside UK waters, two days after Britain intercepted a tanker tied to Russia’s shadow fleet in the Channel, though officials said the events were not linked.