On 15 February 2012, Italian marines operating as part of a Vessel Protection Detachment (VPD) on-board Italian-flagged commercial oil-tanker MT Enrica Lexie, allegedly opened fire on the St. Antony killing two Indian fisherman on board. Ballistics tests undertaken subsequently linking weapons onboard MT Enrica Lexie to fragments of the bullets that killed the two Indian fisherman.
The has sparked a conflict of opinions over legal jurisdiction and functional immunity between the governments of India and Italy. United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has repeatedly stated that the case is a bilateral dispute between India and Italy.
Italy mounted a series of legal challenges to question the legal basis for investigations by Indian authorities and thereby prevent Indian authorities from bringing charges against the Italian marines Staffan de Mistura, the Italian Deputy Foreign Minister, commented that the Italian naval marines "fired warning shots, some of which went in the wrong direction" saying that the "accidental killing" was an "unfortunate incident which everyone regrets. Our marines never wanted this to happen, but unfortunately it took place".The two marines were later released into the custody of the Italian embassy in New Delhi. Italy has contemplated commencing legal proceedings against India over the incident.
Massimiliano Latorre suffered a mild brain stroke in August 2014 and returned to Italy for medical treatment.
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