Russian Warship Fires Shots Near British Yacht

The two sides tell very different stories. The Kelveys say they had right of way — the right to go first — because they were using their sails, not the engine. They say their radio was on and there was no danger of a crash. But Russia says the yacht was using its engine and moving straight at the warship. Russia says the yacht ignored radio calls and warning lights, so the crew fired across the front of the boat.

The story quickly became big news in Britain because the couple stayed so calm. They called the coastguard and were checked by a Royal Navy ship. Then they sailed on to Cherbourg and had a drink. "We don't want world war three," Mrs Kelvey said. Britain first called it a small "nautical incident". But Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Russia's action "reckless".