Chinese Sailor Sentenced to Death for High Seas Murder of Captain

A Chinese crew member has been sentenced to death for the murder of a fishing captain on the high seas of the Indian Ocean in March 2025, The Paper reported today.

The case dates back to March 11, 2025, when a violent incident occurred aboard a distant-water fishing vessel from Rongcheng, Shandong Province, resulting in the death of the ship's captain. The Weihai Maritime Police Bureau confirmed the case in a statement on March 24, noting they had filed a case on March 12, detained a suspect, and that the vessel was returning to port.

The victim's daughter was notified by police on April 6 that the vessel had docked and the suspect was apprehended. She was also informed that her father's body had not been recovered. Family members subsequently provided DNA samples to assist the investigation.

According to The Paper's investigation, the fishing vessel belonged to Jinghai Group based in Rongcheng. The suspect, surnamed Lin, served as the ship's second mate and had previously undertaken several voyages under the command of the murdered captain.

Evidence revealed troubling signs before the fatal attack. In early March 2025, Lin had verbal conflicts with other crew members. Around March 8, he expressed a desire to quit his job and return home. On the day before the murder, Lin was seen standing alone on deck with a knife and later attempted suicide by jumping into the sea. He was rescued by the captain and other crew members.

The following morning, Lin disabled the ship's surveillance system and carried out the attack. The captain was killed on the deck, and his body was pushed into the ocean. Lin was eventually subdued and restrained by other crew members.

In September 2025, the victim's family received documentation from the Weihai Maritime Police, including a certificate confirming the victim had no chance of survival, a determination that the perpetrator had no mental illness, a notification of the suspect's confession, and evidence related to the murder weapon. The case was then transferred to the procuratorate.

The Paper learned from multiple sources that the first-instance trial concluded in late December 2025, with the Weihai Intermediate People's Court sentencing Lin to death for the murder.