Indian fisherman killed by US Navy off UAE coast
It has been confirmed that one person was killed and three others injured when a US Navy ship fired at an approaching fishing boat off the UAE.
However, why the boat approached the US refuelling ship, the USNS Rappahannock, on Monday was still unclear, US officials said.
The US Navy said the small motor boat ignored repeated warnings to halt its approach before a security team fired rounds from a .50-calibre machine gun.
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The US Navy says the USNS Rappahannock fired on a fishing boat after it ignored warnings
UAE national news agency quoted a UAE Foreign Ministry official as saying the incident happened near the mouth of Jebel Ali Port.
Dr Tariq Ahmed Al Haidan, Assistant to UAE Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, said an Indian fisherman was killed and three others, also Indians, were seriously injured.
"The UAE concerned authorities are investigating the shooting incident," he added.
Small boats can pose a threat, even to large naval vessels. Two suicide bombers rammed an explosives-laden boat into the USS Cole in 2000, blowing a massive hole in its side and killing 17 sailors.
US Naval Forces Central Command said in a statement: "The US crew repeatedly attempted to warn the vessel's operators to turn away from their deliberate approach."
It said the incident was under investigation.
Comments
by volcannon18
Tuesday, July 17 2012, 6:37PM
“I think they did the right thing, because the boat did not stop approaching the ship. They were fairly warned and you never know if they were planning to bomb the ship, the Navy can't take that of chance. Im sure the parents and families of everyone on that ship would agree.”
by J H Hash Ziwe
Tuesday, July 17 2012, 6:03PM
“any person who has never seen a motor bike exploding in to building or car will argue that this was wrong even when they gave the warnings.”
by Abu_Dhabi_Bob
Tuesday, July 17 2012, 4:16PM
“Those ships have loud speaker systems that are made to be heard over the noise of hurricanes. Nobody takes a human life without exhausting all possibilities.”
by ROFLwithSYRUP
Tuesday, July 17 2012, 1:59PM
“@graemeSP didn't you read the article clearly? ...there are repeated warning shots....i am against violence and war...but put yourself in the position of who's in command at that very moment and tell me what would be your most honest opinion?....”
by Powerrrrpuffff
Tuesday, July 17 2012, 1:08PM
“I completely agree with you graemeSP!!”
by graemeSP
Tuesday, July 17 2012, 12:14PM
“so the fishing boat either didn't have a VHF radio or it wasn't switched on? Perhaps a few rounds fired across the bows of the fishing boat would have been more appropriate than a full on attack? Its incidents like these that result in hatred and disrespect for the USA . John Wayne diplomacy - Pah!
SurvivorMan”