The US Coast Guard intercepted a Russian intelligence ship just a few miles south of Oahu, it’s been revealed.
Last month, Russia’s Navy Auxiliary General Intelligence ship Kareliya, a Vishnya-class vessel, was caught in the waters near Hawaii.
On October 29, the US Coast Guard began monitoring the ship’s activities ‘in accordance with international law’, with helicopters and ships.
Captain Matthew Chong, chief of response for the Coast Guard Oceania district, said: ‘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.
‘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.’
It comes after last month, a Royal Navy destroyer and a helicopter monitored a Russian warship as it sailed through UK waters in the English Channel.
The Portsmouth-based HMS Duncan was operating under the command of NATO as it monitored the destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov, the first time such an operation has been undertaken.
‘This represents the first time a Royal Navy warship has been tasked under the alliance’s direct command for such an operation, forming part of wider security efforts across northern Europe,’ a Navy spokesman said.
The coordinated effort saw the Dutch Air Force and French Navy also join monitoring of the Vice Admiral Kulakov.
HMS Duncan’s commanding officer, Commander Dan Lee, said: ‘This operation highlights the Royal Navy’s commitment to safeguarding UK waters and working seamlessly with our Nato allies to ensure the security of our shared maritime spaces.
‘The close co-ordination between UK, French and Dutch forces demonstrates the strength of our alliance and our ability to respond collectively to any activity in our region.’
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