Russian submarine shadowed in and around British waters

A Royal Navy patrol ship and two helicopters have tracked a Russian submarine and support vessel through the English Channel and North Sea in support of a NATO mission.

Portsmouth-based HMS Mersey was deployed alongside a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron and a Merlin Mk2 from 824 Naval Air Squadron to monitor the Russian Navy’s Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk and her accompanying Goryn-class tug Yakov Grebelski as they transited the North Sea and English Channel.

The surfaced Russian vessels were shadowed as part of the UK’s role in maintaining situational awareness in national waters and supporting allied surveillance operations. “Monitoring the transit of naval vessels through our area of responsibility remains a fundamental task,” said HMS Mersey’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Dan Wardle. “One that ensures we maintain situational awareness and the ability to respond swiftly when required.”

He added: “This operation is another clear demonstration of the Royal Navy’s enduring commitment to safeguarding the United Kingdom’s maritime interests. 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.”

The operation marked the sixth time in three months that HMS Mersey has been tasked to monitor Russian naval activity. It also comes just one week after UK warships including HMS Duncan and HMS Trent shadowed the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich and corvette Boikiy.

For 824 NAS, based at RNAS Culdrose, the deployment provided valuable experience for trainee crews on the Merlin Mk2 Operational Conversion Unit. “This opportunity allowed 824 NAS to expose junior aircrew to reactive operations in cooperation with HMS Mersey to protect UK waters,” said Commander Alex Kelley.

After completing its monitoring duties, HMS Mersey handed over responsibility to NATO allies as the Russian vessels exited UK waters. The aircraft returned to their home bases at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall and RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset.