The British couple whose yacht faced warning shots from a Russian warship in the Channel have accused the Ministry of Defence of trying to “close down” their story.
In an incident described by the Prime Minister as “reckless” but not “sinister”, sailors on the frigate Admiral Grigorovich fired several warning shots near the yacht Bright Future, crewed by Jane and Alan Kelvey on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said its assessment is that the shots were intended as a warning after the yacht came too close to the frigate and had come after the warship’s crew had attempted to contact the Kelveys by radio.
But speaking to the Telegraph on Wednesday, Mr Kelvey disputed this version of events.
He said: “The MoD are saying they got us on the radio. Our radio, we were right next to it. It didn’t come on our radio.”
Mr Kelvey, 70, told the newspaper: “They’re trying to close the story down now, saying that it was foggy and they were shooting flares up. It’s rubbish.”
He said he and his wife had seen no flares, and denied there was any problem with visibility, saying they and the Russian vessel could see each other “clearly”.
Asked why he thought the MoD was seeking to downplay the incident, he said: “It’s inflammatory, isn’t it?”
The Russian defence ministry has claimed the yacht was following a “dangerous course” and said the Admiral Grigorovich had used flares and sounded signals before firing warning shots “in strict accordance” with shipping regulations.
The incident, which took place outside UK territorial waters south of the Isle of Wight, came during a period of heightened tension between Britain and Russia following the seizure of the “shadow fleet” oil tanker Smyrtos on Sunday.
The Admiral Grigorovich, which has escorted sanctioned vessels through the English Channel in the past, was being monitored by the patrol ship HMS Mersey at the time of the incident.
Speaking to GB News at the G7 summit in Evian, France, on Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmer said the incident “shouldn’t have happened”.
He said: “I think it’s reckless, but it does look as if the MoD assessment is it was drifting, and that’s what it is.
“Now, that doesn’t take away from the fact that clearly Russia is aggressive across Europe.”
But he said: “The incident in the Channel… (the) MoD assessment is that it was actually a drifting warship, rather than anything more sinister.”
Asked about the couple’s claim the MoD was attempting to close the story down, a Downing Street spokeswoman pointed to the department’s assessment that it was an isolated event.
She also referred to the Prime Minister’s words that it was “concerning” and “reckless” and that Russia was an aggressor across Europe.
Downing Street also appeared to rule out taking further action against Russia over the incident.
Asked whether the Russian ambassador would be summoned, the spokeswoman said: “HMS Mersey was shadowing the ship, so we are taking action…
“It is the MoD assessment that this is an isolated incident.
“But as we have shown, we are willing to stand up to Russia where it’s in our interest to do so, as we did with the interception of a Russian shadow fleet vessel over the weekend.”
Armed forces minister Louise Sandher-Jones said she had spoken to Ms Kelvey and the couple had “taken it in their stride”.
She told reporters: “Both her and Alan are in good spirits, and they seem to have taken it in their stride, they’re not going to be put off by the Grigorovich, which is really great to see.
“We’re monitoring it very closely. We continue to monitor it. We all saw what the fantastic operation that was delivered at the weekend. We’re monitoring activities all around the world, all different domains, and we’ll be ready.”
Asked why the frigate had been drifting, Ms Sandher-Jones said: “Well, these are the questions that I think we should be asking… You know, you know, I hate to think that they’re running out of money and can’t turn the engines on, but you know, these are the questions for them.”
Read MoreBritish raspberries up to 50% sweeter after cool spring and May sun, say growers
Body found in search for Briton who vanished while swimming in tourist hotspot
Couple on yacht criticise MoD after facing warning shots from Russian warship
Makerfield by-election – latest: Burnham will refuse Starmer’s job offer, allies say
Mining company fined after experienced electrician killed by mine fan
Starmer leadership uncertainty ‘perhaps influencing’ indyref meeting – Swinney
