Coast Guard Tracking Suspected Russian Spy Ship Near Hawaii

A suspected Russian spy ship traveling near Hawaii has been tracked for the past several weeks, the U.S. Coast Guard said in a recent press release.

"In recent weeks, the U.S. Coast Guard has continued to monitor a Russian vessel, believed to be an intelligence gathering ship, off the coast of the Hawaiian Islands," the announcement read.
 
"While foreign military vessels may transit freely through the U.S. economic exclusive zone (EEZ), as per customary international laws, foreign-flagged military vessels have often been observed operating and loitering within Coast Guard District Fourteen's area of response."

Cmdr. Dave Milne, the Coast Guard's chief of External Affairs, said in a statement: "The U.S. Coast Guard is currently monitoring the Russian vessel operating in the vicinity of Hawaii. As part of our daily operations, we track all vessels in the Pacific area through surface and air assets and joint agency capabilities."

Milne added: "The Coast Guard operates in accordance with international laws of the sea to ensure all nations can do the same without fear or contest. This is especially critical to secure freedom of movement and navigation throughout the Blue Pacific." 

On Wednesday, the Coast Guard released a video clip of the ship, noting that it's "believed to be an intelligence gathering ship," as it traveled off the coast of Hawaii earlier this month.

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