Cai To Gia Luat, 26, was detained on March 11 by An Giang provincial police for investigation into murder. The incident occurred offshore the Tho Chau special zone after Luat reportedly became enraged when the captain failed to take him ashore as promised.

Initial investigations revealed that around 1h on March 6, following a conflict with some crew members on a fishing boat where he was working, Luat requested to transfer to another vessel anchored offshore. This boat was operated by a 47-year-old captain. The captain agreed, asking Luat to help weigh anchor and promising to transport him to the Phu Quoc special zone.

Cai To Gia Luat at the police station. *Photo: Police provided*

However, at 5h30 on the same day, Luat discovered the boat was not returning to shore but was instead heading to fishing grounds to fish. Annoyed by this change of plan, he concealed two knives on his person. Around 6h30, Luat confronted the captain in the wheelhouse, inquiring about being taken ashore.

Upon hearing the captain state they would not return for another two to three days, Luat drew a knife and attacked, stabbing the captain in the neck. The injured captain managed to run out but collapsed and later died. Following the attack, crew members contacted the Tho Chau special zone Border Guard and steered the boat into port, where Tho Chau special zone Police apprehended Luat.

By An Minh - Hoang Do