U.S. Coast Guard Responds To Russian Intelligence Ship Operating Off Honolulu

The U.S. Coast Guard responded after detecting a Russian military vessel operating close to U.S. territorial waters about 15 nautical miles south of Oahu on 29 October.

Officials confirmed that an HC-130 Hercules aircraft from Air Station Barbers Point and the Coast Guard Cutter William Hart (WPC 1134) were deployed to track the Russian Federation Navy Auxiliary General Intelligence ship Kareliya, which is a Vishnya-class intelligence-gathering vessel.

The Coast Guard carried out an overflight and passed nearby in a safe and professional manner.

Officials said they were acting according to international law and are continuing to monitor the ship’s movements to ensure security for U.S. vessels in the area and to support homeland defence operations.

Capt. Matthew Chong, chief of response for the Coast Guard’s Oceania District, said that the service regularly monitors maritime activity around Hawaii and across the Pacific to keep U.S. waters safe.

He added that crews work with partners and allies to monitor and respond to foreign military vessels near U.S. territorial waters to protect U.S. borders and interests.

The Oceania District works alongside U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and several interagency partners to keep a constant watch on foreign naval activity near U.S. territorial waters, including those surrounding Guam and American Samoa. This collaboration aims to strengthen homeland security and defence.

Under customary international law, foreign military vessels are allowed to operate outside the territorial seas of other nations, which extend up to 12 nautical miles from their shores.

Reference: USCG

Source: Maritime Shipping News