Washington DC – The United States Navy (USN) on Tuesday referred to local authorities a query about the reported killing of an Indian fisherman, along with serious injuries to three others in an incident off the coast of Dubai.
In an email reply to India America Today, LT Greg Raelson, USN Media Officer said, “Thank you for your query. I do not have that information. I will have to refer you to the local authorities on the status of the crew of the vessel.”
The fisherman who died in the shooting was from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, as are his wounded colleagues.
Noting that an investigation was under way into the killing, the Indian Minister for External Affairs, SM Krishna, described the death as “unfortunate” and his ministry issued a statement saying, “Our embassy in Abu Dhabi is working with local authorities to carry out a full investigation into the circumstances leading to this unfortunate and tragic incident. The acting consul general is in Jebel Ali to provide all necessary assistance.”
The Indian external ministry said, “According to UAE (United Arab Emirates) officials, one Indian fisherman was killed in the firing incident and three other Indians were injured. We are deeply saddened by the loss of life of the Indian fisherman and the injuries sustained by the others. Our thoughts are with their families.”
Reporting that the incident was under investigation, the US Navy earlier confirmed, “An embarked security team aboard a US Navy vessel fired upon a small motor vessel after it disregarded warnings and rapidly approached the US ship near Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates.”
“In accordance with Navy force protection procedures, the sailors on the USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204) used a series of non-lethal, preplanned responses to warn the vessel before resorting to lethal force,” the US Navy said.
Noting that the US crew repeatedly attempted to warn the vessel’s operators to turn away from their deliberate approach, the US Navy said after those efforts failed to deter the approaching vessel, the security team on the Rappahannock fired rounds from a .50-caliber machine gun.
After the reports of the death and serious injuries to the Indian fishermen started coming in from the UAE, the Pentagon and the White House referred India America Today to the US Navy officials who responded after more than 12 hours that journalists should contact local authorities. (IATNS)