As reported by local authorities, three Vietnamese crew members were apprehended by the Busan Coast Guard following a violent altercation on a Panamanian-flagged cargo ship docked at Gamcheon Port. The incident unfolded on November 9, when the vessel, which carries a total of 15 crew members, was anchored.
The coast guard announced on November 17 that the trio faces serious charges including aggravated assault and property damage. The trouble began late at night when the suspects-identified as a deckmaster, helmsman, and crew leader-were reportedly drinking and making noise in the ship’s mess hall.
When another crew member requested they lower their volume, tensions escalated quickly. Allegedly fueled by alcohol, they responded violently by striking him with fists and even using furniture as weapons.
The captain took immediate action by notifying the shipping company about this aggressive behavior and decided to remove the three men from duty. However, upon hearing of this decision while still intoxicated in their cabin, they plotted to resist being disembarked.
At approximately 2:40 a.m., armed with fire axes and sledgehammers, they approached the captain’s cabin demanding entry. When he refused to comply with their demands, they attempted to forcefully break down his door while also causing damage to other officers’ cabins.
The situation prompted an urgent call from the captain to his shipping agent who then alerted coast guard officials. Responding swiftly to this alarming situation, officers boarded the vessel and arrested all three individuals without further incident.
This case has raised significant concerns among authorities due to its potential for escalation into more severe crimes such as homicide. A senior investigator from the Busan Coast Guard emphasized that any threats involving weapons or jeopardizing safety aboard ships will be met with strict enforcement measures as investigations continue into all aspects of this troubling event.
