USCG Chases Russian F/V From U.S. Waters

The USCG chased a Russian F/V from the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ), marking the second significant incursion by a Russian vessel into the U.S. EEZ off Alaska in recent months. USCGC Alert's crew spotted Russian vessel Kaptain Kayzer approximately 340 miles northwest of St. Paul. The Russian vessel's farthest point of incursion was 1,800 yards into the U.S. EEZ. Lookouts aboard Alert saw Kaptain Kayzer hauling in its nets containing approximately one metric-ton of fish. Alert's crew radioed the master of Kaptain Kayzer several times, ordering him to stop his vessel. The fishing vessel's master agreed to rendezvous with Alert and Russian patrol vessel Antias. When the rendezvous occurred, Kaptain Kayzer's master stated he would only stop inside Russian territorial waters and continued heading for Russia. After the rendezvous, Antias diverted to a separate Russian law enforcement matter. Alert followed the vessel for ten hours, approaching to within a half-mile of Russian territorial waters, which extend out 12 miles from their coast.