The US Navy vessel gave no warning before firing — Dubai Police Commander

Dubai Dubai police are treating as murder the US naval ship shooting of a fishing boat near Jebel Ali port.

Lt Gen Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Commander in chief of Dubai Police, said he believes witness accounts that the US Navy vessel gave no warning before opening fire on the boat in the Gulf on Monday.

Pentagon Press Secretary George Little Wednesday insisted the ship issued several warnings before it fired shots that killed an Indian fisherman, A. Sekar, 29, and injured three others.

Speaking at a press conference in Dubai yesterday, the Dubai Police Chief contradicted these claims. He said: “The fishermen were near Jebel Ali Port when their small vessel was shot by the US navy.

“According to the testimonies of witnesses and those injured, which we believe, the US vessel did not give any warnings for them to turn away.

“When the men saw the large vessel, they immediately turned to the left and tried to get away from the US ship.

“Their boat was not facing the US vessel at the time the rounds were shot,” he explained.

Lt Gen Dahi also confirmed Dubai Police are treating the incident as murder and that the case has been transferred to the Public Prosecution.

He added: “The US ship has moved out and is now in international waters, and the US and other countries are continuing to carry out the investigation.”

Last night Sekar’s family spoke of their grief.

“Sekar talked to us just a few days ago. He said he was fine and that the work conditions were good but stressful in Dubai. We never expected this kind of tragic end to such a vivacious person,” Bhaskar, the brother-in-law of Sekar, told Gulf News from Chennai.

Ten months ago, Sekar had gone to Dubai on a contract in order to be able to repay the family debt. Sekar’s father works in Brunei.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa has sought an inquiry into the incident. She announced a relief of Rs500,000 (Dh33,438) for Sekar’s family and Rs50,000 (Dh3,343) each to the families of the injured fishermen.

US defence officials have said the fishing boat, which had four Indians and two Emiratis non board, ignored warnings not to approach the refuelling ship USNS Rappahannock, and that sailors on board the American vessel feared it could pose a threat.

Meanwhile, a Dubai fishing firm manager has told Gulf News he was warned to move on by a US vessel along the same shipping channel earlier this year.

Jon Viney, Manager at Ocean Active that specialises in fishing charters, trips and products in Dubai, said: “It happened about three times.

“When we approached a US vessel along the shipping channel in the Jebel Ali Port, we were given warning horns.

“One of the officials came to the front of the vessel and gave us another warning through hand signals.

“According to guidelines, we aren’t allowed to go near the shipping channel so we turned around straight away.”

Now fishing industry insiders have called for clear guidelines on using the waters.

Jameel Abedin, Managing Director of Dubai-based Go Fishing Tours, said: “While there are guidelines in place in line with coastguard regulations, there has to be better communication regarding any new safety rules. This is especially important for private boat owners who may venture out to sea without updated guidelines.”