URGENT UPDATE: A Russian military intelligence vessel, the Kareliya, has been spotted just 15 miles off the coast of Hawaii, prompting heightened vigilance from U.S. officials. The vessel was detected on October 29, raising alarms in Washington as the Coast Guard monitors its movements closely.
The Kareliya, identified as a Vishnya-class intelligence ship, was located approximately 15 nautical miles south of Oahu. The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that they are actively tracking the vessel to ensure maritime security for U.S. vessels in the area and to bolster homeland defense efforts.
A statement from the Coast Guard emphasized, “Acting in accordance with international law, Coast Guard personnel are monitoring the Russian vessel’s activities near U.S. territorial waters.” In response, an HC-130J Hercules aircraft from Air Station Barbers Point and the USCGC William Hart, a Sentinel-class cutter stationed in Honolulu, are on-site, conducting surveillance operations around the ship.
The Kareliya has a history of being spotted near U.S. waters, previously reported in 2021 and again in 2023 in the same vicinity. These missions are believed to be focused on gathering intelligence, as indicated by British Defense Secretary John Healey, who recently noted similar Russian vessels have been used for mapping critical underwater infrastructure in the U.K.
Capt. Matthew Chong, Chief of Response for the Coast Guard’s Oceania District, reassured the public, stating, “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.” He highlighted that the Coast Guard works closely with international partners to respond to foreign military vessel activity near U.S. territorial boundaries.
As U.S. officials remain on high alert, the Russian Embassy in Washington has not yet commented on the motivations behind the Kareliya‘s presence. The situation continues to develop, with officials urging vigilance in monitoring the vessel’s activities.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story, as the implications of this military presence near U.S. territory could have significant national security ramifications.