Photo: U.S. Coast Guard Oceania District
A Russian military spy ship was spotted just miles of Hawaii's coast, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, which said it was actively monitoring the vessel, in a press release shared on Thursday (November 13).
The Russian Federation Navy Auxiliary General Intelligence ship Kareliya was detected by a Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules from Air Station Barbers Point and the Coast Guard Cutter William Hart (WPC 1134) during what was described as "a safe and professional overflight and transiting near the vessel." Coast Guard personnel monitored the Russian ship's activities near U.S. territorial waters "in accordance with international law" as a way to give maritime security for nearby U.S. vessels in the same area and support U.S. homeland dense efforts, according to the press release.
“The U.S. Coast Guard routinely monitors maritime activity around the Hawaiian Islands and throughout the Pacific to ensure the safety and security of U.S. waters,” said Capt. Matthew Chong, chief of response, Coast Guard Oceania District. “Working in concert with partners and allies, our crews monitor and respond to foreign military vessel activity near our territorial waters to protect our maritime borders and defend our sovereign interests.”
The Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C. hasn't yet issued a public statement regarding the Coast Guard's response to the spy ship as of Friday (November 14) morning.