US Navy ships leave Jökulfirðir after week-long presence

Two US Navy vessels have left Jökulfirðir, mbl.is reports, after drawing attention during their stay in the Westfjords.

HOS Red Dawn was sailing about 100 kilometres north of Hornstrandir on Tuesday morning, while HOS Red Rock was steaming out of Ísafjarðardjúp. One ship had been in Jökulfirðir for about a week; the other arrived early on Sunday.

The vessels’ presence attracted attention from local residents and people monitoring shipping around Iceland. It is not known whether the attention prompted their departure.

The Icelandic Coast Guard said on Monday that the ships were operated by the US Navy and had permission from Icelandic authorities to call at port and receive services in Iceland. The Coast Guard said they operate outside Iceland’s exclusive economic zone and are therefore not required to obtain research permits or disclose their missions.