Thai Crew Stabbed To Death By Colleague Onboard Scrap Ship At Bangladesh’s Chattogram Port

A tragic incident occurred at Bangladesh’s Chattogram port, where 30-year-old oiler Rapheephong Klahan was fatally stabbed by a colleague onboard the Thai-flagged vessel MT KPP 01. The vessel, currently docked for shipbreaking operations, became the site of this violent altercation, highlighting the severe risks associated with crew welfare during the final stages of a ship's lifecycle. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal attack, which has sent shockwaves through the regional maritime community and local port operations.

This incident underscores the critical necessity of adhering to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006), specifically Title 4.3 regarding health and safety protection and accident prevention. Under SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, operators must maintain rigorous security protocols even during decommissioning. Compliance departments must ensure that onboard safety management systems (SMS) remain robust throughout the scrap process, as lapses in crew supervision and mental health monitoring can lead to catastrophic operational failures and legal liabilities.

Engine ratings must remain vigilant regarding onboard interpersonal conflicts, especially during high-stress periods like ship recycling or decommissioning. It is essential for engine ratings to report any signs of aggression or behavioral instability to the duty officer immediately. Maintaining a safe working environment requires proactive communication and strict adherence to onboard conduct policies, ensuring that personal disputes do not escalate into life-threatening situations while the vessel is under port jurisdiction.