8th November 2023 at 11:27am
A Royal Navy frigate has been shadowing a Russian warship through the English Channel during the stormy conditions of Storm Ciarán.
Plymouth-based HMS Richmond tracked Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich in waters close to the UK, keeping constant watch of her in the North Sea and maintaining permanent contact.
The Type 23 frigate had been in Norway for Nato trials and training when she left to monitor the Sevastopol-based vessel, which is part of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.
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After first monitoring the Russian ship in the North Sea, HMS Richmond’s 185-strong crew continued to shadow Grigorovich through the Strait of Dover and down towards the Mediterranean.
Commander Chris L’Amie, HMS Richmond’s Commanding Officer, said monitoring Russian ships close to UK waters “encourages their compliance with maritime law and deters malign activity”.
“The English Channel is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes,” he said.
“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.”