South Korea’s Busan Coast Guard has detailed a violent onboard incident in which three crew members attacked the captain’s cabin with axes and sledgehammers after being told they would be discharged. The three Vietnamese nationals were arrested on charges including assault, intimidation, and property damage.
The events unfolded on November 9 aboard a Panama-flagged cargo vessel anchored off Gamcheon Port. All 15 crew members were Vietnamese. Shortly after midnight, a deckmaster, helmsman, and crew leader were drinking and singing in the mess room. Soon they fought with another crew member, allegedly beat him with fists and a chair, and threatened him with a weapon.
After the captain reported the incident to the company, the decision was made to dismiss the trio and disembark them in Korea. Learning of the order, the men continued drinking in a cabin and decided to pressure the captain into reversing the decision.
Armed with fire axes and sledgehammers, they went to the captain’s cabin. When he refused to open the door, they began striking the doors of his cabin as well as those of the first and third officers. Coast Guard officials later said they also threatened at least one more crew member with a weapon and discussed taking control of the ship.
The captain contacted the ship’s agent, who alerted the Coast Guard. Officers boarded the vessel, detained the suspects, and restored order. The local court approved arrest warrants, calling the case a serious onboard crime.
