March 26, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release #035-08
Update: Motor Vessel Global Patriot
MANAMA, Bahrain–The U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet expressed regret for the death of an Egyptian citizen who died Monday night, an apparent result from warning shots fired at a small boat approaching a ship chartered by the U.S. Navy.
“We express our deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased,” said Vice Admiral Kevin J. Cosgriff, Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet. “We are greatly saddened by events that apparently resulted in this accidental death. This situation is tragic, and we will do our utmost to help take care of the family of the deceased.”
The U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet Command continues to work cooperatively with Egyptian authorities, including the Suez Canal Authority through the U.S. Embassy in Cairo. A full investigation into this incident is underway.
"We will work through the investigation very thoroughly, coordinating with authorities and the Embassy, to get a full account of what happened," Cosgriff stated.
An embarked U.S. security team on board the Navy’s MSC ship Global Patriot fired warning shots at a small boat approaching the ship as it was preparing to transit the Suez Canal Monday night, March 24, at approximately 8:00 p.m. Two other boats had also approached the chartered ship but turned away following warnings from Global Patriot.
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