Fisherman killing: India asks UAE to register case against US

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, July 17, 2012 : India on Monday asked the UAE to register a case against the US Navy ship that reportedly killed an Indian fisherman as his boat approached the ship off the Dubai coast on Monday night. Three others were injured in the firing.

India has also sought a report from its ambassador in Dubai. External Affairs Minister SM Krishna spoke to the ambassador and asked him to ensure the return of the fisherman’s body and also provide medical care for the wounded.

The US, meanwhile, issued a statement condoling the attack. "The embassy of the United States of America would like to convey its condolences to the families of the crew of a small motor vessel, which came under fire from the USNS Rappahannock on July 16, after the vessel disregarded non-lethal warnings and rapidly approached the US ship," read the statement.

The issue could turn into a diplomatic row between India, the UAE and the US.

A UAE official said there were four Indians from Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu and three Emirati nationals aboard the small boat.

Although the US Navy ordered a probe, it justified the shooting saying that lethal force was used only after the small boat disregarded warnings and raced toward the US vessel.

"The US crew repeatedly attempted to warn the vessel’s operators to turn away from their deliberate approach... When those efforts failed to deter the approaching vessel, the security team on the Rappahannock fired rounds from a .50 calibre machine gun," said the statement issued by the US Fifth Fleet.

The incident comes five months after an Italian Navy ship killed two Indian fishermen off the coast off Kerala.

In Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Karaiyur Fishermen Association President Malairajan said the dead fisherman has been identified as Sekar of Periyapattinam in Ramanathapuram district.

The injured are Muniraj, Panpuvan and Murugan who also hail from Ramanathapuram, he said adding Munira had been admitted to hospital with bullet injuries.

Malairajan said the fishermen from Ramanathapuram district were working for Dubai fishing companies on daily wage basis.