50-Year-Old Ship Captain Jailed After He Ordered Crew To Lie About A Colleague’s Death

Nguyen Duc Nghi, the 50-year-old captain of the Vietnam-registered chemical tanker GT Win, was sentenced to 14 months in jail on February 10, 2026, for obstructing the course of justice following the death of a crew member.

The victim, Hoang Van Chau, 40, died on May 14, 2024, after exposure to naphtha fumes while cleaning a cargo tank in Singapore waters.

Chief Officer Dao Tien Manh had ordered the cleaning of tanks that were not declared gas-free.

Additionally, Pump Master Le Thanh Dung provided unsafe, modified breathing apparatuses because standard gear was deemed too bulky for the confined space.

After Chau collapsed and died, Captain Nghi threw the illicit modified mask into the sea.

He ordered his crew to lie to Singaporean authorities by claiming the deceased entered a “gas-free” tank, to ensure the victim’s family received an insurance payout.

The crew initially followed orders but later confessed.

The cover-up delayed investigations, preventing police from collecting gas samples until 9 days after the tragic incident.

Dung was earlier sentenced to over 3 months in jail for endangering lives, while Manh’s case remains pending.

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