The Royal Navy has intensified its vigilance as Russian warships traverse the English Channel, with HMS Duncan and HMS Mersey prominently involved in recent escort missions. HMS Duncan, a Portsmouth-based destroyer, along with the patrol vessel HMS Mersey, shadowed the Russian corvette RFN Boikiy on its journey back from the Gulf of Guinea.
The encounter began on June 20 near Ushant Island off the French coast, where HMS Duncan first tracked the Boikiy. The responsibility was later handed over to HMS Mersey near the Isle of Wight, exemplifying the seamless coordination within the Royal Navy’s fleet. These operations form part of an ongoing series of deployments monitoring and responding to Russian naval movements in proximity to UK waters.
This surveillance effort followed the earlier shadowing of the Russian frigate RFN Admiral Grigorovich, which was monitored by HMS Trent and supported by Wildcat helicopters from 815 Naval Air Squadron while passing Gibraltar, crossing the English Channel, and heading into the North Sea.
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Luke Pollard, the UK Minister for the Armed Forces, highlighted the significance of these missions: “Russian warships are increasingly sailing through the English Channel, and every time they do, a Royal Navy vessel will be keeping an eye on them. I have every confidence, as should the British public, that our Royal Navy will continue to defend our waters and keep our undersea cables safe.”
Commander Daniel Lee, commanding officer of HMS Duncan, emphasized the importance of these operations for national security: “Escorting foreign warships through waters near the UK is a vital part of our mission to protect our nation and uphold international maritime law. It’s a clear demonstration of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our seas, which are so important to the lives and livelihoods of the British people.”
These vigilant patrols underscore the United Kingdom’s resolve to safeguard its maritime borders against potential threats while maintaining adherence to international maritime protocols.