Russian Spy Ship tracked by U.S. Coast Guard Near Hawaii
HONOLULU – A Russian intelligence-gathering vessel, the kareliya, was recently monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard while operating approximately 15 miles off the coast of Hawaii, according to a statement released by the Coast Guard on Thursday. The shipS presence has heightened scrutiny of Russian naval activity near U.S. shores amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The kareliya is identified as a Vishnya-class intelligence collection ship, designed for signals intelligence (SIGINT) gathering. These vessels are equipped to intercept communications and electronic signals, and thier deployment near sensitive locations like Hawaii raises concerns about potential espionage efforts. The Coast Guard Cutter Sparank, a 270-foot Famous-class cutter, maintained a watchful distance during the Kareliya’s passage.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of increased strategic competition between the U.S. and Russia, particularly in the Pacific region. While Russian naval presence in the area isn’t unprecedented, the proximity of the Kareliya to Hawaii underscores a continued effort to monitor U.S. military activities and infrastructure. the U.S. Coast Guard routinely monitors foreign vessels operating in U.S.waters, asserting the right to freedom of navigation while safeguarding national security interests.
Russia’s Defense Ministry has not yet commented on the U.S. Coast Guard’s statement regarding the tracking of the Kareliya.
