A Russian submarine recently crept past Jersey – nearly bumping into a French fishing trawler – while being shadowed by a Royal Navy warship and helicopters.
Portsmouth-based patrol ship HMS Mersey, a Wildcat helicopter and a specialist submarine-hunting Merlin aircraft watched closely as RFN Novorossiysk moved through UK waters.
The Kilo-class submarine, which was being tracked with powerful sensors and systems, made its way through the North Sea and English Channel.
According to a report by French newspaper Ouest-France published this week, the Russian vessel came close to a French fishing trawler operating near the Channel Islands.
HMS Mersey’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Dan Wardle, said: “This operation is another clear demonstration of the Royal Navy’s enduring commitment to safeguarding the United Kingdom’s maritime interests.”
He continued: “Monitoring the transit of naval vessels through our area of responsibility remains a fundamental task; one that ensures we maintain situational awareness and the ability to respond swiftly when required.
“I am proud of my ship’s company, whose professionalism, cohesion, and constant readiness continue to reflect the high standards expected of Royal Navy personnel.”
HMS Mersey handed over monitoring duties to NATO allies as the Russians left UK waters, with the Merlin and Wildcat returning to their respective air stations in Culdrose in Cornwall and Yeovilton in Somerset.