Report: Russian Warship Fires Warning Shots at Norwegian Fishing Vessel During Naval Exercise

A Russian warship reportedly fired warning shots at a Norwegian fishing boat during the joint Russian-Chinese naval exercise “Ocean 24” this month in Norway’s exclusive economic zone.

The incident, which occurred in the Barents Sea north of Vardø on September 12, has raised concerns about maritime safety and the impact of military exercises on civilian vessels. Norwegian publication FriFagbevegelse first reported the incident, which was later picked up by Norwegian state-owned broadcaster NRK.

According to the reports, Øystein Orten, a crew member on the 15-meter-long, Norwegian-flagged fishing vessel Ragnhild Kristinem, received a radio message from the Russian warship Admiral Levchenko, stating, “This is Russian Warship, you need to leave the area.”

The Russian destroyer explained they were conducting a live-firing practice. Orten, however, refused to move, citing the need to haul their fishing lines.

The situation escalated when the 163-meter-long Russian warship reportedly approached the fishing boat at high speed. Orten reported that the warship fired a cannon, which could be felt on board the vessel. Although not directly hit, the crew agreed to leave the area under what Orten described as “voluntary coercion.”

The Norwegian Defense Forces confirmed the were aware of the incident. Vegard Finberg, press officer at the Norwegian Armed Forces’ operational headquarters, stated they were aware of the dialogue between Norwegian-flagged Ragnhild Kristine and a Russian warship practicing in an announced area.

The incident occurred in the Norwegian exclusive economic zone, which is also considered international waters. While military exercises are permitted in these waters, Norwegian vessels aren’t obliged to leave areas in the Norwegian economic zone during such exercises.

The event has sparked debate about the conduct of military exercises in economically important fishing areas.

“Norway must set stricter requirements that exercises should not burden Norwegian industry or civilian vessels. They should not be allowed to close Norwegian fishing areas,” Orten asserted. The incident reportedly cost the fishing crew around NOK 100,000 in lost catch.