Royal Navy Warship Spends Three Days Shadowing Russian Task Group

Crew from HMS Mersey keep a close eye on a vessel in the distance (Picture: Royal Navy).

A Royal Navy warship has spent three days shadowing a Russian task group through UK waters.

Portsmouth-based HMS Mersey was patrolling off the Norfolk coast when she was deployed to shadow three Russian vessels, according to the Navy.

The Russian task group was said to be headed by frigate Yaroslav Mudryy, supported by tanker Yelnya and seagoing tug Viktor Konetsky. 

The Royal Navy said HMS Mersey started shadowing the three vessels as they entered the UK's area of interest on Saturday, before following them on their journey past Dover and into the Channel.

HMS Mersey, a River-class offshore patrol vessel, was on a fishery enforcement patrol before being re-tasked.

The ship's Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Will Edwards-Bannon, said he was "very proud" of his crew and praised their "professionalism".

The Royal Navy claims the Mudrry, a Neustrashimyy-class frigate, sailed through British waters as it travelled from the Baltic to the Indian Ocean where it is due to participate in exercises with the Indian Navy.