UK investigating reports Russian warship fired warning shots near yacht in English Channel

A Russian warship fired warning shots near a UK-registered yacht in the English Channel on Tuesday morning after the two vessels came into close contact.The incident, involving Russian frigate the Admiral Grigorovich, happened between the Isle of Wight and Normandy shortly before midday. BBC News understands that the small, motor-less yacht had drifted towards the warship in foggy conditions after setting off from the UK. The Russian Defence Ministry said the yacht had been on a "dangerous approach" towards the warship, and its crew fired into its path with rifles after making several attempts to contact it over the radio and after launching warning flares.It also said its sailors had acted in "strict accordance with international shipping regulations", while the British Ministry of Defence said it was investigating the incident. A UK government source told BBC News a couple in their 60s were onboard the yacht at the time. They said they did not hear when the Russian frigate sounded its horn. No injuries or damage have been reported.It comes days after Royal Marine Commandos intercepted a Russian shadow fleet tanker carrying sanctioned oil in the Channel on Sunday, in the first operation of its kind carried out by the British military.However, it is understood British officials do not view the incident as being linked to Sunday's operation.