'Exceptional' Royal Navy sailors scrambled to track 'sanctioned' Russia cargo vessels and warships in Channel
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Keen-eyed Royal Navy sailors kept a watchful presence over ‘sanctioned’ Russian cargo vessels and warships in the English Channel.
Portsmouth-based patrol vessel HMS Tyne and her Wildcat helicopter were scrambled to intercept Moscow ships. They monitored the movements of Russian Navy Ropucha-class landing ship Aleksandr Otrakovsky and merchant vessel Sparta IV, as they headed to the North Sea from the Mediterranean.
Even with the ongoing strikes in Iran and across the Middle East, personnel have also been tasked with operations closer to home. Defence secretary John Healey said: “I am proud of everything that our exceptional Armed Forces are doing to keep Britain safe – both around the UK and on deployments overseas.
“While our UK forces are in action in the Middle East to protect British people, British interests and our partners, this operation sends a warning to Putin: we are watching you. Iran’s dangerous indiscriminate attacks will not distract us from deterring Russia and supporting Ukraine. We are ready to track, deter and defend our nation.”
During the Russians’ voyage through the Atlantic, English Channel and into the North Sea, HMS Tyne used her powerful sensors and radars to report every movement. Aviators from 815 Naval Air Squadron simultaneously flew a sortie over the Channel to provide additional surveillance and security.
The vessels were first intercepted by HMS Cutlass of the Royal Navy’s Gibraltar Squadron, as they sailed through the Strait of Gibraltar’s Traffic Separation Scheme. Vladimir Putin’s ships were then intercepted by a Nato-aligned warship. HMS Tyne was then activated from Portsmouth and took over duties as the group approached the English Channel.
Just 48 hours after this operation was complete, HMS Tyne and a Wildcat were activated again to track another Russian Ropucha-class warship, Aleksandr Shabalin, and cargo vessel MV Sabetta as they sailed westward through the English Channel. The Royal Navy described the merchant vessels as being “sanctioned”.
HMS Tyne’s Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Matt Cavill said: “Maintaining the security of our Island Nation is paramount to ensuring we can project a global presence. The way in which we collaborate with allied nations assures us of the collective strength which we require in an uncertain world. Operations such as these are vital to demonstrate resolve, protect our waters and gain intelligence to support future operations.”
Commander James Woods, Commanding Officer of 815 Naval Air Squadron, said: “This activation demonstrated the professionalism, speed and effectiveness that 815 Naval Air Squadron brings to operations at home and abroad. Our aircrew and engineers delivered clear, timely situational awareness and integrated seamlessly with HMS Tyne.
“Wildcat remains a potent maritime strike platform, providing a visible and persistent presence at sea. The aircraft’s ability to support UK precision‑effect capabilities with Martlet and Sea Venom reinforces the vital role it plays in maritime security. This routine tasking reflects our continued vigilance and underscores the very high readiness of our people and aircraft as we work to safeguard the UK’s national interests and support our NATO commitments.”