The United States Coast Guard said it detected a Russian military vessel operating near U.S. territorial waters off Hawaii on October 29. According to a statement released on Thursday, the ship — identified as the Russian Navy auxiliary intelligence vessel Kareliya — was spotted about 15 miles (24 km) south of Oahu.
A Coast Guard aircraft and cutter were dispatched to monitor the vessel.
“Acting in accordance with international law, Coast Guard personnel are observing the activities of the Russian ship to ensure maritime security for U.S. vessels in the area and to support homeland defense,” the statement said.
The Coast Guard noted that international law allows foreign military ships to operate in international waters, which begin beyond the 12-nautical-mile limit from a country’s shoreline.
The Russian embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
