Picture: Royal Navy

The Royal Navy has tracked a suspected Russian “spy ship” through waters close to the UK.

HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne shadowed the Yantar.

Somerset covertly launched her Merlin helicopter, which used its powerful sensors to find the ship as it made its way north towards the English Channel.

The Type 23 frigate closed in on Yantar’s location and intercepted it in the entrance to the Channel.

The Plymouth-based warship took over monitoring duties from NATO allies.

They had shadowed Yantar in waters close to France.

Patrol ship Tyne was also watching the Yantar.

The Russian vessel was last seen in UK waters in November 2024.

The ship is believed to be scanning the sea bed for infrastructure and communication cables.

Somerset’s Commanding Officer, Commander Matthew Teare, said:

“The Royal Navy is always there when the nation needs, protecting our home and the waters that surround it.

“This is routine business for HMS Somerset’s ship’s company and the Royal Navy.

“Nonetheless it is vital work for the UK’s security and I am proud of the professionalism of my crew.”

Tyne’s Commanding Officer, Commander Hugo Floyer, said:

“It’s hard to overstate the importance of data cables, oil and gas pipelines, electricity cables for wind power and interconnectors that run under the sea, to the wealth and wellbeing of our island country.”

The Yantar is an intelligence ship belonging to Moscow.

She entered the UK exclusive economic zone about 45 miles off the British coast on Monday.

Defence Secretary John Healey said:

“This is another example of growing Russian aggression.

“Let me be clear, this is a Russian spy ship used for gathering intelligence and mapping the UK’s critical underwater infrastructure.”

The Yantar has now left UK waters and is heading for the Mediterranean.

Mr Healey said: “I won’t comment further on reasons for operational security but I want to thank all the personnel involved for their dedication and their professionalism

“I also want President Putin to hear this message. We see you. We know what you are doing, and we will not shy away from robust action to protect this country.

“And with our Nato allies, we are strengthening our response to ensure that Russian ships and aircraft cannot operate in secrecy, secrecy near the UK or near Nato territory.

“This is another example of growing Russian aggression, targeting our allies abroad and us at home.”