A U.S. Navy ship fired on a small boat in the Persian Gulf Monday reportedly killing one person and wounding three others.

According to the Navy, the boat was racing toward the USNS Rappahannock in waters near the gulf city of Dubai.

Lt. Greg Raelson, a spokesman for the Navy's Bahrain-based 5th Fleet, said sailors repeatedly warned the boat to turn back. When it didn't, they opened fire.

One official from India said the casualties are from his country. He said the boaters claimed there was no warning before being fired upon. Four other men - two Indians and two Emiratis, were unhurt.

A Navy official said the incident is still under investigation.

The incident comes during a period of heightened tensions in the Gulf between the United States and Iran.