WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S Navy says an American warship was “aggressively approached” by a Russian Navy ship in the North Arabian Sea.
A spokesman for U.S. 5th Fleet said Friday that the USS Farragut was conducting routine operations Thursday and sounded five short blasts to warn the Russian ship of a possible collision.
He says the USS Farragut, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, asked the Russian ship to change course and the ship initially refused but ultimately moved away.
Even though the Russian ship moved away, the Navy spokesman says the delay in shifting course “increased the risk of collision.”
“The U.S. Navy continues to remain vigilant and is trained to act in a professional manner,” wrote the U.S. 5th Fleet on Twitter.
Farragut sounded five short blasts, the international maritime signal for danger of a collision, and requested the Russian ship alter course in accordance with international rules of the road. pic.twitter.com/OGCeAGKOy3
— U.S. 5th Fleet (@US5thFleet) January 10, 2020