Royal Navy monitors Russian warships in English Channel

Type 45 destroyer HMS Diamond shadowed two Russian warships overnight as they passed through the English Channel.

The Portsmouth-based ship sailed from Dover to monitor the Russian destroyer Severomorsk and cruiser Marshal Ustinov as they passed through the UK’s area of interest yesterday (Tuesday).

HMS Diamond has spent the last month undertaking various duties around the UK as one of the Royal Navy’s high readiness escort ships. She is at 24 hours’ notice to react to any incident or tasking in or around British waters.

Commander Ben Keith, the Commanding Officer of HMS Diamond, said: “HMS Diamond is proud to once again be playing her part in protecting the UK by monitoring these vessels on their transit.

“This is routine business for the Royal Navy and the second time my ship’s company have undertaken such an escort duty this summer.

“While many families are enjoying their summer holidays, my ship’s company are working hard at sea to keep Britain safe and will continue to do so for as long as we are required. I would like to thank the families of my crew whose support is vital while we carry out our duty to the nation.”