US Navy error killed Indian fisherman

NEW DELHI: India has said that it hopes Washington would initiate necessary action following the killing of an Indian fisherman by a US Navy vessel off the United Arab Emirates coast. Regretting the loss of life, the US had assured India of a 'full investigation'. Meanwhile, the UAE government has filed a case in the incident, "proceeding according to the laws of that country."

The United States maintains that the fishing boat was fired on after it ignored warnings to steer clear of the American navy vessel. This claim is being disputed by survivors. Initial investigation by UAE authorities, as reported in a local daily, too suggest that the shooting was a mistake.

The incident occurred on Monday, when US Navy vessel, USNS Rappahannock, fired shots at a fishing vessel near the port of Jebel Ali, Dubai. One Indian fisherman, Sekar, was killed and three others - Muniraj, Panpuvan and Murugan - were injured and were admitted to a hospital. These men are contract labourers from Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu and have been working for companies based in Dubai. Shortly after the incident was officially confirmed, US ambassador to India, Nancy Powell, called foreign secretary Ranjan Mathai to convey her "regret for the loss of life and assured that the US would conduct a full investigation".

External affairs minister SM Krishna said that the matter was taken up with the United States. "I learned from our ambassador that the government of UAE has filed a case in this incident and they are proceeding according to the laws of that country," Krishna said. The minister said that he hoped that necessary action will be initiated by the US.

The US has claimed the boat was fired on after it ignored warnings to steer clear of the American navy vessel. In a condolence statement, the US embassy in New Delhi said, "USNS Rappahannock fired after the vessel ignored warnings and came too close".

Abu Dhabi-based 'National' newspaper reported that Dubai police chief Dahi Khalfan Tamim said initial investigation suggested, "the boat was in its right course and did not pose any danger".