The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed an encounter with four Russian Navy vessels 57 miles from Point Hope, Alaska, on Sunday. The incident occurred during a routine patrol by the Coast Guard Cutter Stratton in the Chukchi Sea, according to a statement on Sept.16.
The crew of the Stratton detected the Russian ships, which included a Severodvinsk-class submarine, a Dolgorukiy-class submarine, a Steregushchiy-class frigate, and a Seliva-class tug, as they transited southeast along the Russian side of the maritime boundary line (MBL).
Upon crossing the MBL into the U.S. exclusive economic zone, the vessels ventured approximately 30 miles into U.S. waters. The Russian vessels were assessed to be avoiding sea ice on the Russian side of the MBL and operated according to international rules and customs, the Coast Guard’s statement said.
“We are actively patrolling our maritime border in the Bering Sea, Bering Strait, and Chukchi Sea, with our largest and most capable cutters and aircraft, to protect U.S. sovereign interests, U.S. fish stocks, and to promote international maritime norms,” said Rear Adm. Megan Dean, commander of Coast Guard District 17. “Coast Guard Cutter Stratton ensured there were no disruptions to U.S. interests.” […]
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