US Coast Guard intercepts Russian vessel near Hawaii

The U.S. Coast Guard monitored a Russian military vessel operating near U.S. territorial waters around 15 nautical miles south of Oahu last month, it said on Thursday.

A Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules from Air Station Barbers Point and the Coast Guard Cutter William Hart (WPC 1134) responded to the Russian Federation Navy Auxiliary General Intelligence ship Kareliya, a Vishnya-class vessel, around two weeks ago on October 29.

The aircraft carried out a “safe and professional overflight” near the vessel, and are monitoring its activities “in accordance with international law,” the Coast Guard 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,” said Captain 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.”

This is a developing story. More to follow.