Russian ship makes ‘high-risk’ move near US vessel

The United States yesterday accused Russia of carrying out highly unprofessional and risky manoeuvres near US naval ships in the Mediterranean.

The US military said Russian Yaroslav Mudry frigate got uncomfortably close to the USS San Jacinto which was carrying out operations against Daesh in Iraq and Syria with the USS Dwight D Eisenhower.

“The closing distance by Yaroslav Mudry before the ship turned away from San Jacinto is considered a high-risk manoeuvre, highly unprofessional, and contrary to international maritime regulations,” a US Defence official said on condition of anonymity.

On 17 June, the Russian defence ministry accused the USS Gravely of coming dangerously close to a Russian warship.

“The USS Gravely came dangerously close to a Russian warship, 60 to 70 metres from the left side, and crossed the path of frigate Yaroslav Mudry at the dangerous distance of 180 metres from the bow,” it said.

“The US sailors, in particular, neglected Rule 13, which stipulates that an overtaking vessel must keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken,” it added.