CAIRO, March 26 (UPI) -- The U.S. 5th Fleet Wednesday said an Egyptian died as a result of warning shots fired from a U.S. vessel in the Suez Canal.
"We express our deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased," Vice Adm. Kevin J. Cosgriff, 5th Fleet commander, said in a release "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."
U.S. military officials said the Global Patriot fired warning shots at a small boat that approached as the chartered U.S. naval ship prepared to navigate the Suez Canal. Two other boats also approached the ship, but turned away following warnings from the Global Patriot.
The U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet Command is working with Egyptian authorities, including the Suez Canal Authority, in conducting an investigation, Navy officials said.
"We will work through the investigation very thoroughly, coordinating with authorities and the embassy, to get a full account of what happened," Cosgriff said.
