US Ship Fires on Small Boat in Persian Gulf, Kills 1

They say verbal warnings failed to deter small vessel
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 16, 2012 12:41 PM CDT
US Ship Fires on Small Boat in Persian Gulf, Kills 1
An American battleship is seen in this file photo.   (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, file)

A US military ship fired on what officials described as a "small white pleasure craft" in the Persian Gulf today, apparently killing one person onboard. The incident occurred about 10 miles from the Dubai port of Jebel Ali, and the craft appeared to be heading for port, officials tell CNN. Officials say the crew of the USNS Rappahannock verbally warned the ship to steer clear when it was about 1,200 yards away, and fired at least one warning shot before using lethal force.

"The US crew repeatedly attempted to warn the vessel's operators to turn away," the Navy said in a statement. "When those efforts failed to deter the approaching vessel, the security team on the Rappahannock fired rounds from a .50-caliber machine gun." (More Navy stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X