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

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.)