A group of volunteers cleaning up marine debris off the coast of the UK stumbled upon a suspicious Russian spy device. The Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners (NARC) divers made the discovery while collecting trash in the Skomer Marine Conservation Zone in Pembrokeshire. Initially thought to be a navigational marker, the object was later identified as a sonobuoy, an acoustic monitoring device commonly used to detect submarines.
After examination by independent defense analysts, the device was confirmed to be a Russian RGB-1A sonobuoy. Measuring approximately 50 inches in length and weighing 2.4 stone, the device was lodged in a gulley and found by volunteer diver Tim Smith-Gosling. Following the November 15 discovery, further inspections were conducted in collaboration with the Port Authority Waterway.
The Royal Navy declined to provide details on the specific find but emphasized their ongoing efforts to monitor and safeguard UK waters with maritime assets. Recent incidents include the interception of two Russian warships by HMS Severn in the English Channel. The Ministry of Defence reported a 30% increase in Russian activity near the UK in the past two years.
Defence Secretary John Healey raised concerns about the presence of the Russian spy ship Yantar off the coast of Scotland, labeling its actions as “deeply dangerous.” He issued a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating readiness to respond if the Yantar approaches southern waters. In response, the Russian Embassy in London criticized the British government for fueling militaristic tensions and potentially escalating conflict.