Russian warship spotted in the English Channel as Royal Navy on high alert

A huge Russian warship was spotted travelling through the English Channel last week, as the Royal Navy kept a close eye on the frigate as it moved through UK waters.

Plymouth-based warship HMS Richmond kept constant watch on Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich, tracking her in the North Sea and maintaining permanent contact.

The ship was first spotted in the North Sea, before the Navy tracked her through the Dover Strait and down towards the Mediterranean Sea, all while battling Storm Ciaran.

The Type 23 frigate Richmond was in Stavanger in Norway for NATO trials and training, when she was rerouted to monitor the Russian warship.

After she was first spotted in the North Sea, HMS Richmond and her 185-strong crew shadowed the Russian warship down through the Dover Strait and towards the Mediterranean Sea.

The exact date of the operation is unknown, but it is believed to have taken place last week as the crew was forced to battle through the strong winds and heavy rain of Storm Ciaran.

HMS Richmond’s Commanding Officer Commander Chris L’Amie said: “The English Channel is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

“Close monitoring and shadowing of Russian warships in UK waters and adjacent sea areas encourages their compliance with maritime law and deters malign activity.

“By maintaining a visible and persistent presence, the Royal Navy is demonstrating our steadfast commitment to the NATO alliance and maintaining maritime security, which is crucial to our national interests.”

This incident is not the first time this year a Russian warship has been seen in the English Channel, as in August this year numerous Russian vessels were spotted in the Channel.

The Royal Navy and the RAF were put on high alert to patrol the area after the ships – including corvettes Boikiy and Grad, cruiser Marshal Ustinov, the Udaloy-class destroyer Severomorsk and others – were spotted.

In that instance, HMS Tyne, HMS Portland and P8 Poseidon aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth monitored Russian navy movements in the English Channel, North Sea and north Atlantic.