HMS Kent shadows Russian submarine in North Sea

A Royal Navy warship is shadowing a Russian submarine sailing towards the English Channel.

On Sunday the frigate HMS Kent located the Kilo class submarine Stary Oskol in the North Sea, and shadowed it as it sailed south past the eastern coast of the UK.

The boat is moving south towards the Dover Straits, sailing on the surface, which is not uncommon for that type of vessel.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “This shows that the Navy is maintaining a vigilant watch in international and territorial waters to keep Britain safe and protect us from potential threats.”

HMS Kent’s Commanding Officer, Commander Daniel Thomas, said “Locating this submarine was a combined effort with NATO allies and shadowing such units is routine activity for the Royal Navy.  We continue to escort the submarine as it conducts its passage, providing a visible presence.”

HMS Kent, a Type 23 Duke Class frigate, sailed from Scapa Flow to escort the Russian submarine, following the Battle of Jutland Centenary commemorations, where she marked the 2 minute silence and fired a 21 gun salute in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and Prime Minister David Cameron.