India, June 16 -- Britain's Ministry of Defence is investigating reports that a Russian warship fired warning shots near a UK-registered yacht in the English Channel, according to British officials and defence sources.

The alleged incident took place around 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight, just outside British territorial waters.

UK launches investigation

Responding to reports of the incident, a spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence said authorities were looking into the matter.

"We are investigating reports of an incident in the Channel," the spokesperson said.

Yacht reports warning shots

According to the defence source, the UK-registered yacht reported that a Russian Navy vessel fired warning shots while operati...