Russian Navy Warship Fires Warning Shots At Norwegian Fishing Vessel In Arctic Ocean

On September 12, 2024, during a joint Russian-Chinese naval drill called “Ocean 24,” a Russian warship fired warning shots at the Norwegian fishing vessel Ragnhild Kristine.

The incident occurred in the Barents Sea within Norway’s Exclusive Economic Zone, north of Vardø.

A crew member of the Norwegian fishing vessel, Øystein Orten, informed that they received a radio message from the Russian destroyer Admiral Levchenko asking to leave the area due to live-firing exercises.

But Orten refused to do so, stating that the crew was busy pulling their fishing lines.

The situation intensified when the Russian warship approached at high speed and started firing a canon shot that echoed through the Norwegian vessel.

Although no one was harmed, the fishing vessel crew decided to leave the area, which Orten describes as voluntary coercion (a state when the crew felt pressured to leave the area).

According to reports, the fishing vessel lost about NOK 100,000 due to the missed catch.

The Norwegian Defense Forces said they were aware of the situation, stating that the communication between the Norwegian fishing vessel and the Russian warship happened in an area authorized for military drills.

A representative for the Norwegian Armed Forces clarified that while military exercises are allowed in these areas, Norwegian vessels are not required to leave during such activities.

The incident has sparked debate over the impact of military exercises on fishing operations.

Orten expressed concerns that stricter regulations should be implemented to prevent military drills from disrupting Norwegian companies and civilian vessel activities, especially in crucial fishing zones.

In recent years, the Kremlin has conducted military exercises and missile tests within Norway’s Exclusive Economic Zone, which has frustrated the local fishermen due to the disruption they face.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has stated that Moscow is prepared to protect its interests in the Arctic.

Reference: The War Zone, Politico

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Source: Maritime Shipping News