SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 8, 2009) Five Chinese vessels shadow and aggressively maneuver in dangerously close proximity to USNS Impeccable (T-AGOS 23) in an apparent coordinated effort to harass the U.S. ocean surveillance ship while it was conducting routine operations in international waters. Two of the Chinese vessels closed to within 50 feet, waving Chinese flags and telling Impeccable to leave the area. Because the vessels intentions were not known, Impeccable sprayed its fire hoses at one of the vessels in order to dissuad a closer approach and avoid being boarded. The incident took place 75 miles south of Hainan Island in the South China Sea. Chinese ships and aircraft routinely steam or fly near U.S. Navy ships in this area, however , these actions were considerably more aggressive, unprofessional and dangerous than we have seen and thus greatly increase the risk of collision or miscalculation. (U.S. Navy video/Released)
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