Russian hydroacoustic buoy discovered off the coast of Wales: what the find indicates

Russian hydroacoustic buoy discovered off the coast of Wales

British volunteer divers discovered a Russian hydroacoustic buoy RGB-1A on the seabed off the coast of Wales, indicating the activity of Russian maritime patrols. The find occurred on November 15 in the marine conservation area of Skomer, near the headland of Wultak in Pembrokeshire County. The device, approximately 120 centimeters long, weighs about 15 kilograms.

Signs of Russian activity

The hydroacoustic buoy RGB-1A is dropped from Tu-142M aircraft to detect submarines. Similar devices were already found in Cornwall County and off the coast of Ireland back in 2021. This indicates that Russian activity in these waters has been ongoing for several years. Russia regularly demonstrates its presence in international waters:

• At least once a week, Russian ships appear in the English Channel.
• Presence in the North Sea.

Initially, the volunteers suggested that the discovered object was part of a navigation sign, but after closer inspection, they realized it was something else. The absence of marine vegetation on the surface of the device indicates that it was dropped relatively recently. The Royal Navy continuously monitors British territorial waters using various maritime assets, emphasizing the importance of situational awareness in the region.

The discovery of the Russian hydroacoustic buoy off the coast of Wales is a disturbing signal regarding security in maritime waters and underscores the need for close attention to possible threats from Russian military ships in international waters. This event may prompt British military and governmental structures to enhance monitoring and patrolling in the region, as well as activate cooperation with allies to ensure maritime security. Considering the history of such incidents, these situations may become part of a broader strategy of Russia in the context of international relations and security in Europe.