For Navy crew, shooting at Indian fishermen was last resort
DoD photo of the small fishing boat fired on by a Navy supply ship Monday.
July 18th, 2012
06:40 AM ET

For Navy crew, shooting at Indian fishermen was last resort

By Larry Shaughnessy

When Navy security personnel onboard USNS Rappahannock opened fire on a small boat near Dubai on Monday, killing one Indian fisherman and injuring three others, it was the final step in an effort to protect the ship without resorting to force.

The incident is not without controversy. One of the Indian fishermen onboard the small boat told Reuters they did not get any warnings before they were fired on.

"We were speeding up to try and go around them and then suddenly we got fired at," the injured fisherman said. The U.S. military is investigating the incident.

"We certainly regret the loss of life in this incident…. There were, in fact, warning measures that were taken based on what we know now. ," said Pentagon spokesman George Little.

The incident lasted just three minutes, according to a Central Command document obtained by CNN's Security Clearance. The document illustrates how the incident escalated in a quick succession of steps.

In Navy parlance, the USNS Rappahannock is an "underway replenishment oiler,” meaning it can supply warships while they are sailing at sea.

Notice it's USNS not USS, which means it is owned by the military, but it's not a warship. It has a civilian commander or "master" and a mostly civilian crew. The only Navy sailors onboard are the security detail protecting it.

The Navy's security strategy has changed drastically since October 2000 when a small boat packed with explosives pulled up beside the USS Cole and blew up, killing 17 American Sailors and nearly sinking the destroyer.

"It's constantly on your mind," said retired Vice Adm. Pete Daly, who was in charge of a destroyer squadron when the Cole was attacked. "I would say that the Navy, as a result of the Cole, significantly reevaluated what the Navy calls the waterborne threat."

Daly said the Navy was caught off guard by the Cole attack.

"When a ship was in a harbor, we thought we were doing a very good job of the landward threat. You had gates and guards and barbed wire. But from the seaward side, not as much as we should have."

As for Monday's incident, the Department of Defense said it appears the Rappahannock's crew acted properly.

"Based on what we know now, a series of warning measures were issued to the oncoming vessel. Those warnings were not heeded. And the vessel was fired upon," Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said Tuesday.

The small boat first got the attention of the Rappahannock when it was about five nautical miles away, according to the military document. When it was about 1,200 yards from the Navy ship's starboard side (point #2 on diagram) it turned toward the Rappahannock and the ship responded by beginning the series of warning measures.

"The Navy ship will never start at direct lethal fire. There's a whole rules of engagement that occurs that has different levels," Daly said.

Daly spelled out how those warning measures work, starting with nonlethal means such as radio calls using common civilian channels, loudspeaker announcements, and flares and lights to get attention.

In the case of the Rappahannock incident, within a minute of the boat approaching, the security team "initiated first level of defensive, nonlethal warning procedures," according to the military document. The vessel was closing in and was within 900 yards but "ignored the warning and continued toward" the Navy ship.

Daly said the next level is to fire warning shots, shooting into the water ahead of the encroaching boat but without putting the boat or passengers in danger. The Rappahannock security team initiated a "next level of defensive, nonlethal procedures" one minute later, but those were ignored by the approaching boat that was just 150 yards away, according to the Central Command document.

At this point, according to Daly, the crew will fire. This occurred when the boat was just 100 yards from the Rappahannock (point #5 on the diagram), with a .50-caliber machine gun. The intent of the direct fire is not to harm people, it is to stop the approaching boat, Daly said.

But the Navy acknowledges when it opens fire on another vessel, there is a risk people could get hurt or killed. Daly said that's why direct fire is the action of last resort.

"This is a very deliberate and responsible graduated response," Daly said.

Because this was a civilian crew other than the security team, it would not have been the master of the Rappahannock who ordered the security team to open fire on the approaching boat.

In this case, the senior Naval officer leading the security team would have given the order to fire, explained Daly.

After Rappahannock opened fire, the boat "slowed for the first time and turned to port, passing astern of the Rappahannock. The Navy crew then re-initiated nonlethal procedures with the boat, which was within 90 yards of the naval vessel. The boat then stopped and the Rappahannock "goes to full speed to separate from the vessel.

Unfortunately, this kind of incident may happen again as the Navy sends more ships into the crowded Persian Gulf that is rife with tension.

When a ship's underway, coming in or out of harbors or in narrow passages" you risk having close encounters, Daly said.

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Filed under: Navy
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  47. Joe

    Here's an idea: don't "speed up to try and pass" a US Navy ship. Slow down and let the ship go past you. These guys are complete idiots. I served a couple of tours in the Persian Gulf on a US Navy ship and I can tell you there is no way in heck the Indian vessel did not know what they were doing was wrong. We call out on the radio, flash lights, wave flares, call out over loud speakers, and finally shoot in front of the vessel. If it comes to the point where the vessel is actually fired upon it's because they are being aggressive towards the Navy ship. It's very, very, very possible these guys are terrorist scouts doing a dry run.

    August 16, 2012 at 3:16 pm | Reply
    • Joe

      And WHY ON EARTH would they point their bow at the Navy ship???? That's the single most aggressive thing you can do!!!!

      August 16, 2012 at 3:19 pm | Reply
  48. Mazo

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    July 22, 2012 at 7:09 am | Reply
  49. Eli

    Would someone look at the two graphics inserted into this article. I might see an issue. The picture of the small boat at the top of the article shows a viewing angle of about 90 degrees off of the port side of the vessel. Looking at the graphic portrayal of the incident, the vessel's port side would not have been available for photo's until after it had been fired upon. I don't see any damage to the boat in the picture.

    July 20, 2012 at 5:31 pm | Reply
    • 1st Sgt-TopKick

      First, if the skiff was aft off the starboard beam on a vector towards the starboard side of the USNS Rappahannock, the damage would be on the skiffs port side (not shown).

      Secondly, the diagram was prepared by Central Command for BASIC purposes of illustration to the public media and NOT as prepared, precise EVIDENCE to illustrate actual facts and headings.

      Third, it is IRRELEVANT what an image shows. The FACTS are that a foreign vessel approached a US Naval vessel in an area where the US military is on heightened alert after the attack on the USS Cole and Iranian naval "taunts". ANY fishermen in the Persian Gulf who does NOT know that ought not to be on the waters.

      July 26, 2012 at 12:17 pm | Reply
      • Eli

        We really don't know where the gun was that fired on the skiff or where the skiff was in relation to the Rappahannock when the lethal rounds were fired. As I look at this diagram, I would place the damage on the starboard or foreward areas. I am 50.1 % confident in that conclusion... okay maybe 50.00000001%. Thanks for adding your insight!

        July 26, 2012 at 12:41 pm |
  50. CEK

    This Post is a general response to all posters not anyone in particular......This incident has nothing to do with race or culture. It is an unfortunate incident yes but the USNS did everything it was supposed to do based on US DOD policy regarding rules of engagement and the Use of Force continuum. Unfortunately the Indian vessel did everything it was not supposed to do. Based on the diagram presented here the manuevers the Indian vessel made were all agressive in nature. The USNS has no idea who it is what is onboard that vessel or the intent. The USNS escalation of force was used appropriately in this case. I know, I'm a Qualified Navy Patrol Boat Coxswain for the USN and have been there, done that througout the Gulf region.

    July 19, 2012 at 12:39 pm | Reply
    • Big Dog

      We will take your word for it. But let us be clear to India. Don't f$ck with Americans otherwise we will take you down.

      July 20, 2012 at 11:35 am | Reply
      • some guy

        Sure Dude, Sure. Why dont you go back to the madrassa and come up with some thing else. 🙂

        July 20, 2012 at 2:42 pm |
      • Eli

        I believe the message is extremely clear. Don't approach a military vessel without invitation. It won't work out well for you. I think the message is for anyone, not merely Indians. As a recreational boater I can only add that there is not a situation I can think of in which I would have traveled around another vessel in the manner that it's been alleged that this boat did.

        July 25, 2012 at 4:03 pm |
    • Eli

      You're response assumes the statements of the Navy are more factual than those of the Indian fisherman. No matter how detailed a statement is, it is still simply that. Without objective evidence such as audio or video recordings, the results of an inquiry formal or otherwise will be based on beliefs. At this point, I tend to give more credence to the accounting of the incident given by the US Navy. It is more plausible than the Indian fisherman's account. But that is still an opinion. What is curious is what is missing. Where is the video. Why have no media outlets discussed it's presence or lack of it?

      July 20, 2012 at 5:00 pm | Reply
      • 1st Sgt-TopKick

        The matter is STILL under investigation so nothing needs be shared with you or the media. Besides, go read the latest on the bill being passed by Congress outlawing the "leaking" of government information. You may be able to see an instant Oakland street fight or a Syrian attack on civilians on YouTube, but not everything is going to become an INSTANTLY available vidclip.

        July 26, 2012 at 12:23 pm |
      • Eli

        I agree with you about the manner in which information is being released. What I questioned was that I have seen nobody even discussing it. You know these reporters are badgering the White House and Navy at every oppurtunity. I am sure they have asked. Also 10 days into this, the issue has dropped off of the face of the internet. I don't know what is customary timewise to expect some answers. Is it like an NTSB investigation where even a preliminary report takes 6 months? I wouldn't think so, but these cirlcles I deal with.

        July 26, 2012 at 12:37 pm |
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    July 19, 2012 at 5:55 am | Reply
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      July 19, 2012 at 5:57 am | Reply
      • Kalyan

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        July 23, 2012 at 2:57 am |
    • The Blunt American

      Makes a lot of sense. Now that these Indian terrorists are out of the closet they need to be squashed with full force and might of the United States of America. I am glad we flushed them out before they caused major damage to us. They have hurt our relations with Pakistan and we are correcting that now. A high level team is arriving in USA tomorrow to put relations back on track.

      July 19, 2012 at 10:02 am | Reply
      • rambo

        You guys really believe the Navy's word on this, don't you? Hmm, I wonder what motive they could have in lying about the incident. USS Liberty, 1967, genuine mistake- Israel paid for the ship and the people with interest. And now in 2012, no words of compassion or kindness. Just do it again, and we'll do it again. Surely this must be something cultural??

        July 20, 2012 at 11:26 am |
      • raghu

        Relations with Pakistan ? There can be no relations with terrorists..

        July 24, 2012 at 5:04 am |
      • Eli

        @Rambo. The US has made statements of regret and condolence about the incident. They have not been heartless. They have been compassionate in their statements that they do not believe they were in any way at fault. Which is not to say that this incident may or may not effect protocols in the future.

        July 25, 2012 at 4:06 pm |
    • 1st Sgt-TopKick

      Oh, you're going to tell a country older than the U.S what they "need" to do? So, you think China and Russia "need" to be divided up, too? After all, they have large land masses, large populations and nukes. You're about as smart a "Ph.D." as the shooter in Colorado.

      July 26, 2012 at 12:30 pm | Reply
  52. DejaVu

    This is Pearl Harbor all over again....Indian style.

    July 19, 2012 at 5:51 am | Reply
  53. Fisherman

    Now I understand why Americans wanted to be close to Indians. To get in their knickers and figure out the real wolf in sheep's clothing sponsoring terrorism all over the world. Gotta hand it to Hillary and Panetta. They flushed India out pretty good.

    July 19, 2012 at 5:45 am | Reply
    • PeterA

      This was another tragedy in the making. recall USS Cole happened way before 9/11. These Indians are gaging American response and we must act forcefully and take them out without further ado.

      July 19, 2012 at 6:02 am | Reply
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        July 24, 2012 at 4:50 am |
      • Eli

        While this is a plausible theory, there is no evidence to support a statement of conclusion. Now is not the time for drawing conclusions. Now is the time for asking questions and collecting evidence.

        July 25, 2012 at 4:08 pm |
    • BigOil

      LOL, crazy angry and bitter Paki's. Now we know why Pakistan is a failed state and terrorist crap hole. They only know how to attack others and spread hatred, but never spend the time fixing their own problems.

      July 19, 2012 at 9:42 am | Reply
      • The Blunt American

        Pakistan is our ally our partner. We have been trusted friends for over 60 years. while India was still a communist b$tch. If you cast an evil eye at Pakistan or come between us we will take India out and unleash the fury of our armed forces on India. We will let the Talibans torture you to oblivion.

        July 19, 2012 at 9:59 am |
  54. Never Again

    Why the heck would Indians be fishing 2000 miles away from India to make a living? Smells fishy rotten all the way to me. People have saying all along that India is the prime sponsor of terrorism in that region and working against American interests.

    July 19, 2012 at 5:43 am | Reply
    • raghu

      get out of your closet. gandu

      July 24, 2012 at 4:51 am | Reply
  55. Oboe12

    If not already, these terrorist Indians need to be sent to Diego Garcia for waterboarding. Americans need to know why they wanted to attack the US Navy ship. Are they part of Al Qaeda? Hindu extremist group? hindu culture?

    July 19, 2012 at 5:35 am | Reply
  56. DogDay

    Americans coined the phrase that "When you sleep with Dogs you will get up with Fleas". But never did they suspect their dog India will try to kill them.

    July 19, 2012 at 5:27 am | Reply
    • PeterA

      Aren't we naive Americans

      July 19, 2012 at 5:58 am | Reply
    • raghu

      We don't care since you're there to lick off the fleas...

      July 24, 2012 at 4:53 am | Reply
  57. AmbBlack

    US needs to reset their South Asian foreign policy and take India out of the equation. We cannot depend on them. They have shown us their agenda is terrorism, to harm us. We need to push back and send a strong message.

    July 19, 2012 at 5:26 am | Reply
  58. David

    Indians must renounce terrorism. This is not acceptable to American people that Indians are working against their interests and harming their assets.

    July 19, 2012 at 5:21 am | Reply
  59. Omesh

    It is sad to see one die in this incident, poor judgement by a US warship, this was not the Somali straights, nor did then engage in/or display any weapons, a vessel this small, Indian fisherman dont speak English. US warships are sending the wrong message, "come close and we will fire at you period.

    July 19, 2012 at 4:32 am | Reply
    • Bobby D

      You don't expect your so called friends to attack you. Why is it so difficult for the Indians on this forum to fathom this. It is not acceptable in the American culture. If someone attacks us we will protect ourselves and come down heavy and hunt you down all the way to New Delhi and we will punish you.

      July 19, 2012 at 5:12 am | Reply
      • raghu

        Quasi americans can wish all they want....

        July 24, 2012 at 4:55 am |
      • Omesh (South African)

        Bobby, you missing the point dude, your country is noted to start a war (Iraq). Bobby i am sure your fore fathers didnt tell you to burst into a cinema and kill people, is this the culture you refering to??? Gun culture??? This was no act of war to engage the enemy. Bobby you are a typical slave trader, you lost the vision bro. Bobby your land was built on the backs of slaves, and you the slave master. Pity you Bobby, you sit in your fancy office,the aircon running on full, while your brothers engage the enemy in Iraq. Be a man bobby, you live in a small world, around you that is. If the shoes fits wear it.

        July 25, 2012 at 5:13 am |
  60. Peace

    ISI agents don't have any jobs these days to blow attack an Indian city, they are trolling cnn news using American name.

    July 18, 2012 at 11:34 pm | Reply
    • Bobby D

      We have heard this nonsense before. This time around it is the Indian terrorists backed by RAW who is attacking american assets in international waters. Indian government appears to be behind these attacks.

      July 19, 2012 at 5:14 am | Reply
    • BigOil

      Paki criminals are so full of hate. If you notice they never try to solve their countries problems, but try to spread hatred and discord between nations. Pakistan will descend into chaos and hopefully the world won't have to deal with this menace much longer.

      July 19, 2012 at 9:44 am | Reply
      • The Blunt American

        Nice try deflecting attention to some other than India. Read my lips, we will respond to our enemies with brutal force so that they won't raise their ugly heads again. Don't mess with us Americans. In God We Trust.

        July 19, 2012 at 9:55 am |
      • raghu

        Well that's becuase their problems are insurmountable. They're all like rats deserting a sinking ship. But no other ship wants them...

        July 24, 2012 at 4:56 am |
  61. Gomez

    Tragically, in India people are dying of hunger. Why are low caste poor Hindus prohibited from eating beef? People stop their cars, and sit for hours waiting for a cow to clear the roadway, thinking it to be sacred. In India cow meat is cheaper than other available meats. Instead of these Brahmins taking care of the low caste peoples of India, they are doing their best to save their "holy" cows instead. This is evil. According to Valmith's Ramayana, God Rama "ATE" meat. So then "why" have these Brahmins given up beef-eating? It's hypocrisy within their own religion.

    July 18, 2012 at 11:12 pm | Reply
    • Santy

      You coward. Come up with your real Paki name. If you want to initiate debate on Hinduism you find a forum and come up with real name. You sound frustrating cause one person is countering your cowardice. Bloody Jehadists.

      July 18, 2012 at 11:21 pm | Reply
      • PeterA

        You talkin to me. Take this.....

        If the Hindu man's wife dies, he is free to go and find another beautiful woman when he wants. But if the Hindu woman's husband dies, not only is she prohibited to remarry but she should be cremated along with her dead husband ("Sati").

        July 19, 2012 at 6:04 am |
    • Santy

      Kate land sale. I don't have to answer to your stupid copy and paste moronic cowardice.

      July 18, 2012 at 11:23 pm | Reply
    • T-Bone Thakur

      Can someone recommend a good steak house in Chandigarh, India? I am headed that way to deliver a lecture on Terrorism Eradication.

      July 19, 2012 at 5:17 am | Reply
    • Fisherman

      These Indians are hypocirts down to their bones. Smiling on your face and stabbing you in the rear.

      July 19, 2012 at 5:47 am | Reply
    • raghu

      Get an effin life. Get a burger if you want it so bad..lol

      July 24, 2012 at 4:59 am | Reply
  62. Justin

    What a farce. The UN Convention on the Law of Sea clearly only gives rights of enforcement to warships under military command, which the USNS was not (articles 29 and 224 being the relevant ones for those who want to corroborate this: http://www.un.org/Depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/unclos_e.pdf). The USNS Rappahannock, and all other USNS designated ships cannot tell other countries vessels where to go or what to do; the US Navy is in the wrong regardless of whether it issued warnings or not (although the question of the warnings is still in dispute).

    July 18, 2012 at 10:51 pm | Reply
    • Larry Laffer

      Next time you Indians come close to our ships we will blow you to extinction. It is called USA LAW NO. 1. Take that to the bank.

      July 18, 2012 at 10:58 pm | Reply
      • Santy

        Shut up you hatemonger coward paki hiding behind american sounding name.

        July 18, 2012 at 11:05 pm |
      • Gomez

        If you don't have anything intelligent to say why don't you call it a night. You appear frustrated and obsessed with your neighbor. Now stop your terrorism and be loyal to your benefactors.

        July 18, 2012 at 11:15 pm |
      • Gomez

        My posting was in response to the d o o z i e called Santy

        July 18, 2012 at 11:16 pm |
    • Davy Jones Locker

      Mr. Justin, your argument does not sound. The Master of a USNS vessel of a Merchant Marine is a Commissioned Officer of the State. Therefore you're contradicting Article 29. In addition, Article 224: A USNS vessel is CLEARLY MARKED with a HULL NUMBER AND THE BLUE & YELLOW COLORS on it's stack stating it as a non-commissioned vessel but a PROPERTY OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY and the United States of America. It still runs under the law of the military. PLEASE READ RULES AND REGULATIONS OF WARSHIPS AND MERCHANT SHIPS because you clearly have a case of selective reading. Next time you run your mouth and being an "expert" at LOST, make sure you have a degree in at least READING. Thank you, come again 🙂

      July 19, 2012 at 1:16 am | Reply
      • Oboe12

        This guy Justin is an Indian using an American name to spread disinformation. RAW is very active on these forums trolling. Govt sponsored.

        July 19, 2012 at 5:39 am |
  63. Kenneth H

    We have been fighting a war for the past ten years with no end. Our soldiers have shed blood like a fountain. Their families are suffering. Has even one Indian soldier sacrificed his life in helping the Americans, NATO and western countries in fighting this war? The answer is a resolute NO. Folks, just think about it, 1.2 million Indian Army soldiers are sitting in trenches doing what???? Sure the heck beats me. Americans are now questioning the US Congress as to what they are doing to correct this unsustainable relationship with India. The India caucus is being monitored by citizen groups. If they don't respond to the needs of the American people political contributions to them will be severely impacted.

    July 18, 2012 at 10:43 pm | Reply
    • Santy

      I can't believe how desperately some Pakistanis are trying to create tension between India and USA by using CNN news. Lol grow up you kate land Pakistanis. Btw India owe nothing to the war created by Americans for Americans. India receive no direct aid from US government. It receives aid from NGOs for humanitarian programs.

      July 18, 2012 at 10:48 pm | Reply
      • Larry Laffer

        I don't think you are getting it. In our culture you don't sh$t in the same plate you eat from. It is nothing personal. Just take it at face value.

        July 18, 2012 at 10:54 pm |
      • Santy

        What you have said is an idiom from the South Asian culture. So bad you can't hide behind American name you coward paki.

        July 18, 2012 at 11:03 pm |
      • Gomez

        This guy Santy appears to be an indian terrorist living off American giveaways yet stabbing them in the back. Typical hindu genes.

        July 18, 2012 at 11:17 pm |
  64. AlexPendergast

    Child Soldiers of India
    India as a nation is facing a new problem concerning its children- emergence of children as soldiers in strife -torn states of Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, AndhraPradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Nagaland and Assam. They are getting drawn into fighting both with rebel groups as well as security forces. What was considered a problem in African countries of Sudan, Sierra Leone and other countries like Sri Lanka and Nepal has become a reality for India too.

    According to human right activists the actual number of children recruited by state or non state groups as soldiers is not as obvious as in other countries but we know there is an increasing number of children being drawn into active combat.These children exposed to war and conflict are one of the most vulnerable groups often forced to witness or perpetrate combat atrocities. They are scarred for life, their childhood shattered.

    July 18, 2012 at 10:33 pm | Reply
    • Santy

      How much you moron Pakistani want to get bashed up. Again want the world to believe India is enemy by hiding behind an American name like coward. Are you so f<c<ing coward that you don't have in you to come up with real name. Kate land sale.

      July 18, 2012 at 10:40 pm | Reply
    • Larry Laffer

      Yes, India is the enemy. A terrorist nation that has thrived on the handouts of Americans. How dare it turns against us and threaten our Armed forces. We will never forget we shall never forgive. Buckle up India. You have seen our generosity so far, now you will witness our wrath.

      July 18, 2012 at 10:49 pm | Reply
  65. Santy

    Sab pakistani kate lode hai!

    July 18, 2012 at 10:30 pm | Reply
  66. hemchandra

    How moronic of Pakistanis on this forum with cowardice that they are calling the Indian fishermen terrorists by using American names here. And they are showiing absolute hatred toward Hindus. Morons think they will crest animosity bet india and Usa with their moronic posts. This the kind of moronic thinking that is taking their nation toward stone age. It is really hard to believe that such moron are commenting using Internet!

    July 18, 2012 at 10:13 pm | Reply
    • Tyler Williamson

      With friends like India who needs enemies. I am very disappointed. But then again, we have been providing pr media cover for India via CNN and that could only last so long. This was inevitable.

      July 18, 2012 at 10:22 pm | Reply
      • hemchandra

        Another fake Pakistani wants Americans to believe that India is enemy by using comments forum on CNN! Lol I can't believe you Pakistanis can be so moronic, naive and hatemongers!

        To all Americans reading this forum. I believe India and USA are natural allies with many things in common like democracy, middle class and diversity. This incident should be investigated. When truth will be out both nations will be satisfied. This things are trivial to dent relationship between two natural ally. But do know the intentions of Pakistani trolling on this site with American and Indian name.

        July 18, 2012 at 10:28 pm |
      • AlexPendergast

        Everything is a fake to these Indian terrorists. Everyone else is to blame. Obsessed with Pakistan. Give me a break.

        July 18, 2012 at 10:37 pm |
      • Santy

        Who is obssed with Pakistan kate land... ? Look at how many Paki cowards are posting here using American name.

        July 18, 2012 at 10:42 pm |
    • Chas Perkins

      Tell your fishermen next time they come close to our vessels we will stuff barracudas up their tanned @sses. Terrorists

      July 18, 2012 at 10:25 pm | Reply
  67. Clem Kadiddlehopper

    Okay, to be clear, there are terrorists of all varieties, nationalities, idealogies, theologies, etc. To have all this anti-(pick your nation or religion) rhetoric from so many is really mind blowing. In light of the fact that most of the people posting on this story have never spent a single day at sea on a Navy vessel, much less had to make a decision like this vessel's security team did, i find it funny that so many opinions can seem so well informed. I think alot of this opining is just a bunch of racist, bigoted, uneducated theorizing that has no basis in fact at all, but merely a stands as a reflection of people's willingness to put someone else down and hide behind an online profile to do it. Get honest, if you don't like a particular group or sect or skin tone, just have the balls to say so without the fear of exposing your convictions. If you're so afraid, maybe you should just shut up.

    July 18, 2012 at 9:37 pm | Reply
    • NO INDIANS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD PLEASE

      We dislike terrorism. We dislike people attacking us after all the good we do for them. If that is bigotry so be it. If that is racism, then let it be. But if you even so much as cast an evil eye on us we will shred you to pieces.

      July 18, 2012 at 9:49 pm | Reply
      • Clem Kadiddlehopper

        I am in agreement with you. Terrorism is deplorable. An unfortunate truth is that it exists in al corners of the world. There are any number of justifications for it, all of them questionable to say the least. I am American, I am content with the US being the one nation that the WORLD relies on to get sh!t done, but don't the rest of you pretend you didn't ask for the help or sanction the actions we take and then take a totally different stance when the cameras are rolling. I'm thinking of a quote from Jack Nicholson's character in "A Few Good Men". You know the one about the blanket of freedom "we" provide.....yeah, that's the one. Never better said.

        July 18, 2012 at 9:56 pm |
  68. NO INDIANS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD PLEASE

    I don't want to be eaten up by Hindus.

    The Aghori or Aghouri is a Hindu cult that is considered to have split off from the Kapalika order in the fourteenth century AD. They have cannibalistic rituals. The streets of northern Indian cities are littered with followers of this cult carrying a kapala, which is a cup made from a skull! These bizarre people will eat anything from rotten food to animal faeces. In order to achieve the highest citadel of enlightenment, the Aghori will perform horrendously crude rituals. The finality of their rituals is attained from eating the decaying flesh of a human.

    July 18, 2012 at 9:35 pm | Reply
  69. Dylan Jones

    For the life of me what the heck were these Indian terrorists thinking. My inkling is they were Al Qaeda decoys who distracted US Navy attention while they were smuggling something into or out of he Arabian Gulf. Hmmm.... Take them over to Diego Garcia and waterboard these makakas.

    July 18, 2012 at 9:10 pm | Reply
    • heman

      There have been never been an Indian Al Queda operative till that...there might have been one...but that's not the point. India has no association with Islamic terrorists. In fact, India is the biggest victim of Islamic terrorism. The problem with naive trigger happy people like you is that the tax payer money is wasted by the education system with zero awareness about the world affair. I don't blame you for that.

      July 18, 2012 at 9:37 pm | Reply
    • NO INDIANS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD PLEASE

      India invented terrorism and continues to finance it. Who are you kiddin. As we speak India is harboring key terrorist figures. You continue to terrorize Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

      July 18, 2012 at 9:45 pm | Reply
  70. Sheikh Abul Hasan _ Bangalore _ India

    It took CNN two days to fess up that these were Indian Hindu terrorists attacking the US Navy ship. Long after the comments already reported that on this forum. Had they been Muslims, CNN would have declared them way before. Take note ACLU. This is not the country that Jefferson had envisaged, I suppose.

    July 18, 2012 at 9:06 pm | Reply
  71. SAS

    The Indian fisherman who were on the boat deny the US military gave any warning and claim the Navy Boat in question starting firing out of the blue. Given the American military's rather abysmal record on telling the truth – remember the Gulf of Tonkin and Iraq's fictional WMDs, I am more inclined to believe the Indian fishermen than the marauding US Navy.

    What this proves is that innocent fisherman in Dubai trying to feed their families are now the latest targets of the so called "war or terror" gone awry. This deplorable incident is yet another example of the American military's shoot now and ask questions later ( read never ) policy even in peaceful areas and adds a long list of reasons why the US military need to leave the entire Middle East and leave NOW.

    July 18, 2012 at 7:53 pm | Reply
    • Clem Kadiddlehopper

      Sorry, I disagree with your characterization of the "US Military" as being a shoot first, ask questions later bully on the high seas. I am an active duty member of the "US Military" and can assure you that we go through extensive training on how to properly employ non-lethal measures to warn oncoming vessels. At the very least, this training is conducted annually or before any long-term overseas mission. As such, this USNS ship with an active-duty security crew likely had training just prior to deploying. In addition to your assumption about these "innocent fishermen", it seems you want to generalize about the US conducting anti-terrorist operations against any and all who ply the seas for both good or bad. I can tell you that my first-hand experience with others like these assumed "innocent fishermen" was far less than friendly. Piracy for whatever reasons is terrorism by nearly any reasonable person's reckoning. As such, there are many small craft under way in the waters near this incident, and throughout the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean who would like nothing more than to have people assume they are merely simple fishermen. In my case, we came across Somali pirates who claimed the same thing about their benign activities. When they were approached to validate their claim, they opened fire with RPG's and AK-47s. The day didn't end well for them, I can tell you. Am I content with the thought that I may have ended someone's life? Absolutely not. Do I sleep soundly at night knowing I may have saved some ship's master's life or saved a family of vacationers from having their yacht boarded and held for ransom? Absolutely. It's far too easy for people to assume they know all the facts and posit an implausible or uninformed theory about what happens – after the fact. To know it, you have to live it. It doesn't sound to me like you SAS, have done the living it part.

      July 18, 2012 at 8:42 pm | Reply
    • Chop suey

      This is a garden variety propaganda comment. Nothing to see here.

      July 18, 2012 at 9:34 pm | Reply
  72. flipmd

    INDIA wants to outsource the US Navy to avoid this incident next time lol. So stupid, you know its a military vessel, why come so close.

    July 18, 2012 at 6:40 pm | Reply
    • flipmd

      I bet INDIA Navy will do the same if a US small boat approaches them that close. Same thing with other country. It is consider a treat to come close to this kind of ships. Just so stupid not to think.

      July 18, 2012 at 6:41 pm | Reply
      • Indian

        The difference is – Americans would have made it look like it is non-pardonable mistake, if that had happened. Now you are acting as if it is nothing.

        July 18, 2012 at 7:24 pm |
      • Chop suey

        Indian = fake. Probably Chinese or Pakistani.

        July 18, 2012 at 9:34 pm |
  73. KMan

    I'm surprised that these morons get as close as 150 feet, anayway I'm sure the administration has an apology ready to go.

    July 18, 2012 at 6:35 pm | Reply
  74. Noel

    INDIA: TERRORISM WITH COWS
    In many Hindu temples there are sculptures depicting men having s@x not only with women but also cows. What is the meaning of this? Is not the cow sacred? If it is, then it should be worshipped not s@xually assaulted and terrorized!

    July 18, 2012 at 6:32 pm | Reply
    • hemchandra

      Only Paki troll can talk about cows in India. Why you are so coward to hide behind American names?

      July 18, 2012 at 7:56 pm | Reply
      • Bergen

        Why don't you answer the question about hindus s@xually terrorizing cows in your temples? Ashamed? What has this to do about your neighbors? It is a fact, isn't it?

        July 18, 2012 at 9:13 pm |
      • Mazo

        Bergen is definitely a Muslim who hates India AND America AND Israel. Having been humiliated all these decades for the atrocities his coreligionists have perpetrated, he is now trying to get his kicks by trying to abuse Hindus (note he always says Indian Hindus, not just Indians!) and thinks he is seeding animosity between the dimwitted American right wing radicals and Indians.

        This game is so shallow, it is pathetically obvious. The best thing is to ignore this kind of creature as it thrives on confrontation and attention on any sort.

        July 19, 2012 at 2:54 am |
  75. joel

    the USA Navy did something that makes a huge population curse at us, and doesn't understand anything about life outside of their own conflicts. Unbelievable. I am not buying it.

    July 18, 2012 at 6:28 pm | Reply
  76. Anirudh

    Can everyone please just calm down...The racism is so apparent its appalling to hear. If you are going to blame these fishermen then blame them but don't bring in how indians go work at call centers and own motels...thats just a bunch of crap some of you use to feel superior to others.....YES i am calling everyone who puts down another race as being ignorant, uneducated, and just plain mean.......I am Indian, I was born in America and I am a Patriot....once I finish college I want to join the Navy and to hear all of you throwing stereotypes out there is just saddening....what was the point of Martian Luther King jr. and Gandhi if all of you just use stereotypes and judge people in such horrid ways...I am ashamed to see so much misinformation and hatred. I am angry to see that some Americans think INDIA is such a bad place because its not i have visited India many times and both countries are essentially the same.

    I apologize for any spelling/grammar mistakes that may of occurred.....

    oh yeah and one more thing...if you make fun of someone about how they have bad grammar or can't speak(if your smart) you should probably realize that English may not be their first language, SO chill.....

    I also wanted to say that America is supposed to be a melting pot of cultures where everyone is accepted but I have seen so much hate and stupidity in these comments it feels like we are going back in time to all the segregation and hatred that filled this world

    in response to this article the Navy did the right thing........

    July 18, 2012 at 6:26 pm | Reply
    • Cut to the Chase

      Terrorism is Indian DNA and their religious philosophy.

      HINDU KALI – GODDESS OF VIOLENCE/TERRORISM

      A recent report by United Press trust of India (UPI) stated that during the past three years more than 2,500 young boys and girls were sacrificed to goddess Kali in India. Another of AFP's recent reports say: hundreds of young boys and virgin girls are sacrificed every month for the deity Kali. In one case Rama Sewak hacked his eight year old son to death in broad daylight in Delhi because goddess Kali had told him he would come back to life and bring him good fortune. Bloodthirsty Kali is worshipped openly the length and breadth of India. Kali's statue stands naked astride the inanimate body of the Hindu deity Shiva, tongue stuck out with blood dripping from fang-like teeth. She holds a noose, a skull-topped staff, a blood-encrusted sword and a severed head. She is also known as Durga, Devi, Shaktima, Uma and Parvathi in other manifestations. The priest of Delhi, Kali Bari, says that a child sacrificed to Kali ensures a man the birth of a son. Human sacrifices are also made to these gods or goddesses, either to appease them or to ask favours of them.

      July 18, 2012 at 6:31 pm | Reply
      • Cut the crap

        So there are ignorant people in India – I have news for you – there are ignorant people everywhere, including plenty in the US, Middle East, Europe, Asia & Africa. -oh wait, I left out South America, Australia and a bunch of islands in the pacific. I don't see why because a cult kills children in India that makes any Indian a terrorist. These guys on the boats may have been terrorists – they may have also been fisherman who didn't see or didn't understand what the warning shots were. No need to start down this whol hateful racist rant against Indians.

        July 18, 2012 at 7:46 pm |
      • hemchandra

        No culture with violence in DNA can survive for long time. Look at your Pakistan it is going back to stone age with all the terrorism and violence it breeds. Indian culture have survived for more than 5k years. That is more than any culture. It is only because it has lived with essence of humanity. Now dare to reply it with reason and without copy pasting some stupid propaganda you find on internet.

        July 18, 2012 at 7:53 pm |
      • Bergen

        I say shut the US embassy in India immediately and recall the ambassador. I don't want our country to associate with barbaric Indians anymore. Thay will never change. This is not the 60s anymore when we used to go there for drugs and cheap s$x that we can look the other way.

        July 18, 2012 at 9:16 pm |
      • NO INDIANS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD PLEASE

        India is a terrorist nation. No question. They invented it.

        July 18, 2012 at 9:39 pm |
      • Mazo

        LOL link ?

        Terrorism only holds value to those who believe in heaven and hell and all that monotheistic nonsense Islamists keep barking. From the perspective of Hinduism, terrorism is meaningless and if anything helps those people shed their physical bodies while your karma is tainted for interfering with the natural course of life. It is a pointless to kill somebody when doing so is utterly futile as they will only be reincarnated over and over again.

        Clearly, your ignorance about this basic fact of Hinduism shows that your motives as a Paki bigot. The difference between Americans killing Hindus and Americans killing Pakis is that when they kill a Hindu, we don't have to wait to hear their apology or their regret while Pakistani's have to beg America to apologize for killing 30 of its soldiers!

        July 19, 2012 at 2:48 am |
    • Chop suey

      Well said Anirudh. Please keep in mind that the Internet is FILLED with comments from propagandists trying to cause problems between free countries like the US, India, Europe, and so on. Americans aren't this racist. You would know it in person if they were. The reality is, the Internet can be made to create a fake reality.

      I can say I am from Spain and I hate Germans. It's not true, on either account. But I could say it and it would be difficult to dispute it. But it doesn't have to be accepted either.

      Great choice on the Navy, it is a fine military service. Go India, US, ASEA, and Europe. The free world is the best world.

      July 18, 2012 at 9:39 pm | Reply
      • NO INDIANS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD PLEASE

        India is a barabaric nation based on caste system, incest, terrorism, cannibalism, poverty, dependent on american taxpayer jandouts to survive against their neighbors who would have chewed them up and spit them out.

        July 18, 2012 at 9:41 pm |
  77. Newmath

    If you are too stupid to recognize a naval ship and not to go near it...you're too stupid to catch fish anyway.

    July 18, 2012 at 6:21 pm | Reply
  78. Jim

    Looking at the GPS pattern of the boat it was NOT trying to pass You can parallel the ship and pass it without coming 90 degrees perpendicular like it shows. Their path was erratic and unpredictable
    maneuvers of a boat trying to get close without being shot.

    July 18, 2012 at 6:13 pm | Reply
    • Curtis

      Judging by the illiustration in this article it seems perfectly logical for the boat to be fired upon. The only other boats who take that pattern of approach seem to be terrorists.

      Its sad for the Indians but that was the dumbest route to take when approaching a Navy vessel.

      Case closed.

      July 18, 2012 at 6:25 pm | Reply
      • Indian

        Did I read the article wrong? It says it is USNS, which means it is a civilian ship.

        July 18, 2012 at 7:26 pm |
  79. The King

    Why did they fire on them? Easy, they were born in the USA. The solution to every problem is violence, that and of course the inferiority complex thats bred into every flyover country bumpkin that can't get a job at Walmart, that ends up in the US military. The only place they can find employment.

    July 18, 2012 at 6:12 pm | Reply
    • Mark

      You are an idiot.

      July 18, 2012 at 6:23 pm | Reply
    • Charlie

      Why is it that you people always defend the terrorists. We aggresive Americans lost 17 Sailors the last time we let a boat come up to a naval vessel in that very stable and non violent part of the world. We here in America do own guns and we do have violence, but I am willing to bet you that there is just as much violence in your part of the garden of Eden the difference is they were pushed to blow up the women and children because they are upset. Get a clue and please don't ever ever come to America, and if you are here please leave and never return.

      July 18, 2012 at 6:34 pm | Reply
    • KMan

      king of what? idiots?

      July 18, 2012 at 6:37 pm | Reply
    • alexwilliamstakesphotos

      pretty true. We do seem to take our soveingty for granted. Imagine if an Indian ship fired on an american fishing boat or a Paskitani drone fired missles on an American neighborhood here? Those countries would be craters.

      July 18, 2012 at 6:37 pm | Reply
      • Lilbit

        And you seem to take your freedom for granted!!

        July 18, 2012 at 7:14 pm |
    • mitch

      you are a idiot. they fired because in that area of the world all they know is violence and would love nothing more than to kill a few americans

      July 18, 2012 at 6:38 pm | Reply
    • Lilbit

      Not every sailor in the Navy is there because they couldn't get a job a Wal-Mart. Are you really that stupid or just that prejudiced?? Are you so smart that you could repair all of the computerized electronic warfare systems on an F18 or teach other sailors how to do so, because teaching those skills to other sailors is what my son does. You should be thankful for every American man or woman that is willing to sacrifice a portion of their lives to protect the freedoms that you enjoy every day. Remember freedom is never free but it is worth fighting for.

      The Commander of the security detail on the USNS Rappahannock did exactly what they had to do in order to protect both the US Navy ship and the civilian personal on it. They were absolutely justified in doing so.

      July 18, 2012 at 6:56 pm | Reply
    • The King

      Ah yes, the angry, confused chorus of the borderline schizoids who's propagandists have bestowed unto them a "sword of Damacles" mentality with the interchangable, omnipresent boogeyman. Like the cackling of nervous chickens afraid the sky is falling.
      This weeks episode, "Evil from the sea" {insert E flat organ chord here} A Quinn Martin production. Be afraid!! And remember, when in doubt...SHOOT IT OUT!!

      July 18, 2012 at 8:16 pm | Reply
      • Say it quieter, with more sense

        You realize that you are the propagandist here right? Reading your post almost gave me a seizure just based on your unrelenting quest to sound so smart over teh interwebs. Turn off your revolving DVD menu of Michael Moore and join the real world, it's nice outside, just use sunscreen, been awhile.

        July 19, 2012 at 9:27 am |
    • Mike

      Well now. Are you not just an ignorant peice of feces.

      July 18, 2012 at 9:59 pm | Reply
    • The King

      "You are an idiot" "piece of fieces(sic)"
      Oh ya, well USAUSAUSAUSA#1#1#1#1 You're either with us or against us. American exceptionalism. We're God's second favorite country (behind Israel of course). Those sailors were defending our freedom!!!
      Now, YOU'RE all idiots because I'm the most righteous. HA!!! I win!!

      July 19, 2012 at 11:02 am | Reply
  80. hemchandra

    This forum proves how hate mongering Pakistanis are. They will waste no opportunities hiding behind American names and abusing India. The same mentality has made them a terrorist nation. Instead of building their own society and developing their economy, they are engaged in net Jehad. Nothing can help you from going further into stone age.

    July 18, 2012 at 6:11 pm | Reply
    • Noel

      This is not about any other country. This is about india and their terrorist acts. Don't you understand why americans are mad with Indians???? Because Americans have done so much for you....jobs, money, technology, security, protection against neighbors, food. Is this how Indians repay americans? by sending Indian terrorists to blow their ships up? get outta here.

      July 18, 2012 at 6:35 pm | Reply
      • hemchandra

        India owe nothing to USA. What USA is doing with India is called business. USA has economic interest in India that is why USA is investing. Btw, Indians are the job creaters in USA. Indians are actually creating jobs in largest proportion than their population in USA. USA have done more harm to India by arming Pakistan with weapon systems. USA had naive policy toward India in the past. USA has more to lose than India if the relationship is threatened. USA needs Indian talent as India is producing engineers, scientists and managers at larger level than USA can ever imagine to create.

        No country has evolved so much in just 65 years of freedom.

        July 18, 2012 at 7:43 pm |
      • hemchandra

        On second thought you are a Pakistani hiding behind american name. If you are not pakistani than you are ridiculously ignorant about the realities of the world. There is no less hostile nation than India.

        July 18, 2012 at 7:45 pm |
      • Bergen

        I say let the talibans loose on India to smoke the living daylights out of India.

        July 18, 2012 at 9:19 pm |
      • hemchandra

        How moronic of Pakistanis on this forum with cowardice that they are calling the Indian fishermen terrorists by using American names here. And they are showiing absolute hatred toward Hindus. Morons think they will crest animosity bet india and Usa with their moronic posts. This the kind of moronic thinking that is taking their nation toward stone age. It is really hard to believe that such moron are commenting using Internet.

        July 18, 2012 at 9:57 pm |
  81. Sailor101

    Haze Gray and Underway!

    July 18, 2012 at 6:11 pm | Reply
  82. NO INDIANS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD PLEASE

    1947
    This year marks the first implosion of India as a nation. This year also represents the loss of Indian conscience following the massacre of over 3 million innocent Muslim civilians, women and children who were migrating to Pakistan. We shall never forget. We won’t let the world forget. There will be accountability.

    July 18, 2012 at 5:57 pm | Reply
    • Cease and Desist

      Wow...this is bigger than Holocaust and Armenian massacre !!!! Why are not those responsible being hunted down?

      July 18, 2012 at 5:59 pm | Reply
    • hemchandra

      Lol a net Jehadists will tell anything on net and American will believe a national of a terrorist nation.

      July 18, 2012 at 6:05 pm | Reply
      • Visitor

        Can't take the heat then get outta the kitchen....ya shiva sena terrorist

        July 18, 2012 at 6:28 pm |
  83. Guest

    The next time they will know that the US Navy is back and not just for show.

    July 18, 2012 at 5:57 pm | Reply
    • Visitor

      And they can take that to the bank

      July 18, 2012 at 6:03 pm | Reply
  84. Amaral

    India must cease financing the terrorists and address the Kashmir genocide issue (among others such as Tamils, Maoists etc.) in order for peace to prevail in south asia

    July 18, 2012 at 5:54 pm | Reply
  85. JJ Vargas

    INDIA: On a Goat and a Stick:

    The problem with India is that is built on a system of cultural and societal values based on Hinduism which is a cult. Nations built on a cult seldom survive in the long run. You can only take it so far based on symbolisms of a goat and a stick with a skinny little man aka gandhi banging boys at night and spinning wheels during daytime.

    July 18, 2012 at 5:53 pm | Reply
    • tony

      Lasted at least three thousand years longer than the USA so far, and is rapidly eating our lunch technology wise as we speak.

      July 18, 2012 at 5:58 pm | Reply
      • Facts and Figures

        Hinduism did not exist before 1830. It was created by the English colonialists in the 1830s.

        July 18, 2012 at 6:02 pm |
      • Nikki

        @Facts and Figures –

        If that were the case, why is "Hinduism" referred to in texts from 1450? And the alternative name for India was "Hindustan"... I think your "facts and figures" need a bit more research.

        July 18, 2012 at 6:16 pm |
      • Charlie

        I don't care how old Hinduism is because at the end of the day they bathe in cow urine, and worship rats. I don't care how old it is it is off just a little.

        July 18, 2012 at 6:38 pm |
      • cinghoa

        @facts-The fact that you know nothing about an ancient religion becomes obvious when you type ignorant statistics such as those above. The names for the many religions which are now encompassed by the Hindu religion have been around long before the book of fairy tales, with stories of walking on water and commandments, came about. Just because you found a date on Wiki that says that the all encompassing name did not come about until the 19th century, does not mean the religion was founded by colonists in the 1800's. Try reading a history book, you might not come across sounding so ignorant about the subject.
        @jj-Take a look around, Hinduism is no more a cult than the xtianity we see here in the U.S. Just because a person believes in something that differs from your beliefs does not make them wrong, it makes them different. If you can't handle diversity, keep your foil hat, your Ham radio and your bigotry to yourself. Good day.

        July 18, 2012 at 6:39 pm |
    • hemchandra

      Hinduism is culture not religion. It has its root more than 5k years back. It has lasted more than any culture could because it is rooted in most essential human teachings unlike some hate mongering societies and cultures of the world.

      July 18, 2012 at 6:08 pm | Reply
      • Bergen

        In some Haryana villages in India, the young girls are routinely threatened, abused and killed all under Khap (tribe/clan) verdicts. It is acceptable for the families to feed pesticide pills to the teenage girls and then dispose off their bodies by burning them without any police records.

        July 18, 2012 at 9:32 pm |
    • Allen

      Hinduism a cult? That is pretty silly; I guess Hinduism is too tolerant for you, does not breed bigots.

      My guess is that your definition of "religion" probably involves creating the concept of hell and then brainwashing children to believe that anyone who does not believe exactly as you say will go to hell.

      July 18, 2012 at 6:15 pm | Reply
      • Charlie

        Doesn't raise bigots really, what is it you call the way they treat someone they feel is beneath them in society?????

        July 18, 2012 at 6:40 pm |
    • joel

      I am not blaming people in the USA for the misconceptions anymore. Our media and hollywood show a version of the world that makes people over here feel good about their own country. The bad thing is that it has continued while these countries became superpowers. I think our military is the last superpower item we have when we have to compare our country to India and China. These places have higher highs than we have and lower lows. There are as many Indians living as well as the entire american middle class, but we still show pictures of the slums only. Kinda a laugh at this point.

      July 18, 2012 at 6:25 pm | Reply
    • Andy Ratta

      All religion is a cult!

      July 18, 2012 at 6:35 pm | Reply
    • Bergen

      HINDU GODDESS PANCHALI

      This goddess was married to five brothers. Which one would become the legitimate father of his child should she have one? Dr Charles (renowned author and an authority on India) says that instances of incest are common in Hindu scriptures

      July 18, 2012 at 9:30 pm | Reply
      • raghu

        sure, but its still better than yesu kutte ka bacha...

        July 24, 2012 at 4:42 am |
  86. vegarover

    It's quite possible the fishermen didn't even see the warning shots. If there are decent sized waves, shots hitting the water might not even be noticeable. Plus, at 900 yards away, with waves crashing and engine noise, you probably couldn't hear the shots fired either. Both sides could be telling the truth.

    July 18, 2012 at 5:52 pm | Reply
    • Sailor101

      The Persian/Arabian Gulf is nearly always flat, flat, flat! The only time I have seen a wave more than a few inches was during a sand storm. The loud speakers are just that, very loud and a .50 cal chain gun makes a noise that will get your attention for hundreds of yards away. The small boat probably did not even have a radio and the crew probably were not paying attention as they should have been, especially in the waters off of Jebel Ali or Dubai.

      July 18, 2012 at 6:07 pm | Reply
    • KMan

      Newsflash dude, 50 caliber machine gun fire is hard to miss.

      July 18, 2012 at 6:42 pm | Reply
  87. John

    You approach a military ship and fail to recognize warning shots and verbal alerts, then you must want to be shot at. Especially when that military ship belongs to a nation that is at war. Did anyone forget that the US is at war? Seems like a hard thing to forget....

    July 18, 2012 at 5:51 pm | Reply
  88. Cherize

    No matter how you slice it, India is a Shiv Sena republic with an extremist bent. These are Noveau Nazis with a Hindu twist.

    July 18, 2012 at 5:50 pm | Reply
    • hemchandra

      Paki troll alert. Pakistanis enjoy pretending to Americans and engaging in opinion terror.

      July 18, 2012 at 5:52 pm | Reply
      • Mirror Mirror on the Wall

        Mirror Mirror on the wall......Please tell the Indians they are terrorists after all.

        July 18, 2012 at 5:55 pm |
  89. David Ellis

    I am beyond confused as to why so many people, who are probably in the US, implictly believe the Indian fishermens' account that they did not receive any warning.
    It is next to impossible that this is true and that the Navy ignored procedure after procedure after procedure. It is far more likely they simply ignored them for whatever reason (stupidity, paid off to test defenses etc).

    July 18, 2012 at 5:48 pm | Reply
    • Huh

      Huh ? Another d o o z i e? (hindu indian). Most people acknowledge these were Indian terrorists used by al Qaeda as recon.

      July 18, 2012 at 5:52 pm | Reply
  90. Mirror Mirror on the Wall

    LIPSTICK ON A PIG: The Story Of India
    Mirror Mirror on the Wall.....show the Indian Hindus who is the slimiest of them all.
    The way you let the shadows play
    You’d think my hair was getting gray.
    What’s that, you say? A double chin?
    No, that’s the way the light comes in.

    Self Denial …Self Denial…. Is the Hindu play.
    Maybe catharsis is another way

    July 18, 2012 at 5:48 pm | Reply
    • hemchandra

      Jehadist trolling the CNN comment forum!

      July 18, 2012 at 5:51 pm | Reply
  91. Remember the USS Cole

    After the USS Cole attack I find it outlandish anyone would be on here American bashing these sailors for their actions when the boat approached within 90 meters...

    Really people, use your head.

    July 18, 2012 at 5:44 pm | Reply
    • Vad

      Put it into perspective. The people bashing the sailors for defending their ship are people who:

      1. Already hate America and no matter what will always side against the U.S.

      2. Have never served or been put into a situation where they have had to defend their life.

      3. Trolls who say things simply to generate some sort of angry response.

      They can sleep soundly knowing they defended their ship.

      July 18, 2012 at 5:59 pm | Reply
  92. Indians should stay doing tech support not boat driving

    After what happened with the USS Cole attack, are idiots really bashing Americans when a foreign, unknown boat approached within 90 METERS of a US refueling vessel?

    REALLY?

    Reality check SON, get your facts straight. It doesn't take a brain surgeon to know you should not go within 90 meters of a military vessel in these times!

    Obviously these indians were better at tech support then boat driving!

    July 18, 2012 at 5:38 pm | Reply
    • hemchandra

      Check your schools dear ignorant . Most Indian kids in USA are enrolled in science and technology. India is producing very high number of scientists, managers and engineers, way higher than USA can imagine. I don't blame you for your government wasting taxpayers money on zero world awareness education on you.

      July 18, 2012 at 5:45 pm | Reply
      • Chin Cheng

        Most Indians are washing dishes in restaurants or waiting tables.

        July 18, 2012 at 5:47 pm |
      • hemchandra

        Who wants to argue with terrorists from Pakistan either pretending to be American or whatever.

        July 18, 2012 at 5:49 pm |
      • Chavda

        You're not even good enough for customer support for the U.S. We can't understand you Haji.

        July 18, 2012 at 5:51 pm |
      • alex

        you dont have to talk...to let the ppl know you stupid & illiterarated

        July 18, 2012 at 5:59 pm |
      • Anirudh

        Can everyone please just calm down...The racism is so apparent its appalling to hear. If you are going to blame these fishermen then blame them but don't bring in how indians go work at call centers and own motels...thats just a bunch of crap some of you use to feel superior to others.....YES i am calling everyone who puts down another race as being ignorant, uneducated, and just plain mean.......I am Indian, I was born in America and I am a Patriot....once I finish college I want to join the Navy and to hear all of you throwing stereotypes out there is just saddening....what was the point of Martian Luther King jr. and Gandhi if all of you just use stereotypes and judge people in such horrid ways...I am ashamed to see so much misinformation and hatred. I am angry to see that some Americans think INDIA is such a bad place because its not i have visited India many times and both countries are essentially the same.

        I apologize for any spelling/grammar mistakes that may of occurred.....

        oh yeah and one more thing...if you make fun of someone about how they have bad grammar or can't speak(if your smart) you should probably realize that English may not be their first language, SO chill.....

        I also wanted to say that America is supposed to be a melting pot of cultures where everyone is accepted but I have seen so much hate and stupidity in these comments it feels like we are going back in time to all the segregation and hatred that filled this world

        The navy did the right thing........

        July 18, 2012 at 6:22 pm |
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