US vessel 'shoots at Suez boat'

BBC

A US container ship approaching the Suez Canal has opened fire on a small Egyptian motorboat, killing one man and wounding two others, reports say.

The Global Patriot, carrying used US military equipment, was in the Gulf of Suez when it was approached by a motorboat selling local merchandise.

Its crew apparently fired after the boat failed to heed warnings to stop when asked, the US navy said.

It added that it was in contact with Egypt through the US embassy in Cairo.

As many as 100 other local vessels are said to have gathered at the scene, carrying hawkers demanding an inquiry.

Some 7.5% of world sea trade passes through the Suez Canal, which is 190km long (118 miles) and 120m wide (395ft) at its narrowest point.......