Chinese Fishing Boat Captain Murdered by Crew Member on High Seas

The police have confirmed that the case is under investigation, but have declined to provide further details, citing the need to inform only the family and relevant parties at this stage. The Weihei Maritime Police stated that "the case is being handled" and that "other situations will only be disclosed to the family and the parties involved." The incident has sparked concerns about the safety and security of Chinese fishing vessels operating on the high seas. According to Chinese law, the country's maritime authorities have jurisdiction over crimes committed on Chinese-registered vessels, regardless of their location.

The captain, who was scheduled to return to China in June 2025 after setting sail from the country in June last year, was killed at around 7:30 am on March 11 in the Indian Ocean. His daughter, Xiaoxing, had been in touch with her father just before his death, discussing her wedding dress, and recalled that his last words to her were "you are the bride, don't steal the host's thunder." The case has sparked widespread concern, with many calling for justice for the victim and his family. The ship involved in the incident is believed to be owned by a fishing company based in Rongcheng, Shandong Province, although the company has denied any involvement.

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNLOSC) states that ships on the high seas are generally subject to the laws of their flag state, i.e., the country where the ship is registered. If a crew member commits a crime, such as murder, on a ship in international waters, the flag state has the authority to pursue criminal liability under its domestic law. In this case, if the crew member is found to have killed the captain on a Chinese-registered ship in the Indian Ocean, China would have jurisdiction over the case. The captain's family has already contacted the authorities, and the case has been filed with the Weihei Maritime Police, who are handling the investigation.

The news of the fishing boat captain's murder at the hands of his crew has sent shockwaves online, with netizens expressing outrage and demanding swift justice. Many have taken to calling for the perpetrators to be caught and brought to justice as soon as possible, in order to provide closure and restitution for the victim's family. One netizen warned against associating with individuals who lack gratitude, labeling them as "white-eyed wolves" that should be avoided. Another user condemned the crew's actions as "too cruel", highlighting the brutality of the crime and the tragic fate of the captain, whose body was thrown into the sea. The online community is eagerly awaiting updates on the case and hoping for a speedy resolution. Xiaoxing has expressed her determination to seek justice for her father's murder, stating that she will "do everything possible to ensure that the perpetrator is punished to the fullest extent of the law."