The U.S. Government has officially confirmed that shots fired by a U.S. Navy vessel had killed an Indian and injured three more off a Dubai port on Monday afternoon, said official sources here.
The U.S. Ambassador to India Nancy Powell telephoned Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai this morning to convey her regret for the loss of life and assured that the U.S. Government would conduct full investigation.
A US Embassy news release said the crew of a small motor vessel, which came under fire from the USNS Rappahannock on July 16, after the vessel had disregarded non-lethal warnings and rapidly approached the U.S.ship.
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" We will stay in regular touch with U.S and UAE authorities to ascertain full facts and take appropriate further action in the matter,” said the sources in the Ministry of External Affairs here.
According to UAE 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,” said the sources.
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The UAE authorites also told Indians that the US military vessel had fired shots at a fishing vessel near the port of Jebel Ali, Dubai at about 3 pm UAE local time.
MEA sources said the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi was working with local authorities to carry out 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.