A Russian warship fired shots in the English Channel after a UK-registered yacht drifted towards the vessel.
The incident happened shortly before midday, June 16, between the Isle of Wight and the Normandy coast and involved the Russian navy frigate Admiral Grigorovich.
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the warning shots were not directed at the yacht and were fired as a safety measure after attempts to contact the vessel proved unsuccessful.
No injuries were reported and neither vessel sustained any damage.
According to BBC reports, the yacht drifted towards the Russian warship in foggy conditions while a couple in their 60s were onboard.
The Ministry of Defence said the incident is being treated as an isolated event and is not believed to be connected to recent Royal Navy activity involving Russian vessels.
The Admiral Grigorovich is a Russian Black Sea Fleet frigate based in Sevastopol, Crimea.
The 125-metre warship is equipped with cruise missile launch systems, a naval gun and facilities for helicopter operations, allowing it to carry out surveillance, anti-submarine and combat missions.
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A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence said: "Following attempts to contact a British vessel in the Channel, the Grigorovich fired warning shots.
"These were not aimed at the vessel and were an attempt to prevent a possible collision.
"We assess that this is an isolated incident and not linked to the UK’s interception of the Smyrtos this weekend.
"HMS Mersey has been monitoring the Russian vessel and support has been provided to the crew of the yacht."
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