Coast Guard Fires Single Warning Shot at Iranian Dhow

August 27, 2014 8:55 AM

 

US Coast Guard Cutter Monomoy (WPB-1326) in 2005. US Navy Photo
US Coast Guard Cutter Monomoy (WPB-1326) in 2005. US Navy Photo

A Coast Guard small boat sent to intercept an Iranian dhow fired a warning shot after the crew of the dhow charged and aimed a .50-caliber weapon at the Coast Guard crew in the Persian Gulf, U.S. Fifth Fleet officials said in a Tuesday statement.

“This action by the dhow’s crew demonstrated hostile intent, which resulted in the defensive fire by the Coast Guardsmen,” Cmdr. Kevin Stephens, told Stars and Stripes on Tuesday.

The Coast Guard small boat — sent from Coast Guard patrol cutter USCGC Monomoy (WPB-1326) — was conducting a routine query in international waters on Tuesday, according to U.S. Fifth Fleet.

The dhow, a common sight on the Persian Gulf, had initially been in touch with Monomoy but then broke off communication prompting the patrol boat to send a small boat to investigate.

As the boat closed, the Coast Guard crew saw two .50-caliber guns on the deck of the dhow.

“When the dhow’s gunner aimed and charged the weapon at the approaching U.S. personnel, the small boat crew immediately turned away from the dhow, and its gunner fired one round,” according to the report in Stripes.

The Coast Guard response was inline with rules in the region, according to the Pentagon.

“U.S. military rules of engagement state that unit commanders always have the inherent right and obligation to exercise unit self-defense in response to a hostile act or demonstrated hostile intent,” read a Pentagon news release.

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone is the editor of USNI News. He has covered legislation, acquisition and operations for the Sea Services since 2009 and spent time underway with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Canadian Navy.
Follow @samlagrone

Get USNI News updates delivered to your inbox