Russian military spy ship spotted just miles off US coast

A Russian military spy ship has been detected just miles off the coast of Hawaii, according to the US Coast Guard, which said it is actively monitoring it.

The Russian vessel, Kareliya, was spotted roughly 15 nautical miles south of Oahu — near US territorial waters — on Oct. 29, the Coast Guard said Thursday.

A Coast Guard helicopter and ship immediately responded and have been monitoring Russia’s Vishnya-class intelligence ship ever since.

“Acting in accordance with international law, Coast Guard personnel are monitoring the Russian vessel’s activities near US territorial waters to provide maritime security for US vessels operating in the area and to support U.S. homeland defense efforts,” the Coast Guard said in a statement.

Under international law, foreign military vessels are permitted to operate outside another country’s territorial seas as long as it’s 12 nautical miles out, according to the Coast Guard.

“The US Coast Guard routinely monitors maritime activity around the Hawaiian Islands and throughout the Pacific to ensure the safety and security of US waters,” said Capt. 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.”

The Russian embassy in Washington hasn’t commented on the Coast Guard response.