Three Vietnamese crewmembers from a Panama-flagged cargo ship anchored off Gamcheon Port were arrested after a violent disturbance involving assault, weapons, and attempts to force open officers’ cabins, according to the Busan Coast Guard.

The incident began on 9 November, when the vessel, carrying 15 Vietnamese nationals, was anchored offshore. Around midnight, a deckmaster, helmsman, and crew leader were drinking and singing in the mess. A confrontation erupted when another crewmember asked them to lower the noise. The three allegedly struck him with chairs and fists and threatened him with a weapon, leading the captain to report the case to the shipping company and initiate their forced disembarkation.

Upon learning of that decision, the trio reportedly gathered in one cabin, continued drinking, and planned to pressure the captain to reverse the order. At approximately 0240, they approached the captain’s quarters with fire axes and sledgehammers. After the captain refused to open the door, they began hitting the entrances to the captain’s, first mate’s, and third mate’s cabins. The coast guard later stated that further violent actions and threats occurred during the escalation.

The captain notified the ship’s agent, who informed the Busan Coast Guard. Officers boarded the vessel, restored order, and detained the three suspects. Officials described the case as a serious crime capable of leading to secondary offenses, including murder, and the Busan District Court’s Western Branch issued arrest warrants on 11 November.

A Coast Guard representative stated that the agency will continue to respond firmly when weapons are used, shipboard order is disrupted, or port safety is threatened.