Foreign Crew Member Killed in Vessel Altercation

A violent altercation between two foreign crew members aboard a commercial vessel anchored in the deep sea off the Anwara coast in Chittagong has resulted in the death of a Thailand national.

The victim, identified as 30-year-old Rafiphong Kalaharn, was a crew member serving aboard the commercial vessel named MTKPP 01. According to official sources, the incident took place on Tuesday (19 May). Mr Kalaharn was brought to the Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) at approximately 8:00 pm in a critical condition, where the attending registered physicians pronounced him dead on arrival.

Circumstances of the Incident

According to reports provided by the vessel’s local shipping agent and the CMCH Police Outpost, the commercial ship was positioned at the ‘Charlie Anchor Point’ in the deep sea off the coast of Anwara, Chittagong. An argument erupted between two foreign crew members on duty regarding an undisclosed matter.

The verbal dispute rapidly escalated into a physical confrontation. During the altercation, one of the crew members drew a sharp weapon and repeatedly stabbed Mr Kalaharn, inflicting severe and life-threatening injuries.

Following the attack, the vessel’s local shipping agent, Mr Md Sohel Uddin, along with other crew members, intervened to rescue the victim. They arranged for his immediate evacuation from the vessel to the mainland and transported him directly to Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Despite their efforts, medical officers at the hospital confirmed that he had succumbed to his injuries prior to his arrival at the emergency facility.

Official and Legal Proceedings

Inspector Nurul Alam Ashek, the officer-in-charge of the Chittagong Medical College Hospital Police Outpost, officially confirmed the veracity of the incident. He stated that a Thai national lost his life following an physical dispute between two foreign crew members on an anchored ship in the deep sea.

Law enforcement authorities and hospital officials have initiated the standard procedures required for such maritime incidents. The body of the deceased, the son of Sanyapong Kalaharn, has been transferred and retained at the CMCH morgue for a comprehensive post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact medical cause of death. Further legal actions are expected to be processed through the relevant maritime and diplomatic channels.

Incident Summary and Key Facts

The verified details concerning the casualty and the vessel involved are systematically outlined in the table below: