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MP Claims French Patrol Fired Live Rounds Near Vessel

7/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

MP Chris Philp said a French patrol boat fired 17 live rounds near his vessel on July 28 2026, 300 metres off Boulogne, while the French Maritime Prefecture said the fire was a handgun exercise and unrelated to the British boat.
Philp called the French explanation not credible, saying there were no warnings and the fire felt like intimidation.
Crew members said they felt unsettled, noting one suggested the rounds were likely blanks.

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Story summary

MP Chris Philp said a French patrol boat fired 17 live rounds near his vessel on July 28 2026, 300 metres off Boulogne, while the French Maritime Prefecture said the fire was a handgun exercise and unrelated to the British boat.
Philp called the French explanation not credible, saying there were no warnings and the fire felt like intimidation.
Crew members said they felt unsettled, noting one suggested the rounds were likely blanks.