The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris, has stated that a Russian intelligence-gathering vessel has “departed our area of interest”.
During a visit to Athlone, Mr. Harris mentioned that the Defence Forces had been observing the ship off the Irish coastline for approximately 36 hours.
Mr. Harris confirmed that he has been receiving updates on the situation.
It is reported that the LÉ Samuel Beckett was sent to oversee the Viktor Leonov as it made its way toward Havana, Cuba.
The Naval Service attempted to communicate with the vessel to determine its intentions in the area, but there was no response.
The Viktor Leonov belongs to the Vishnya class of intelligence-gathering ships and typically operates near the eastern seaboard of the United States.
Such ships are capable of gathering data by intercepting communications.
In November, a Russian spy ship was observed operating in proximity to subsea cables in the Irish Sea.
The Naval Service kept track of the activities of the Yantar—which has a crew of 60 and is officially described as an oceanographic research vessel—within the scope of a multinational intelligence-led operation.
Additional reporting by Jackie Fox
