A crewman has been arrested in Los Angeles after a colleague was stabbed to death on a CP Offen boxship chartered to Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC).
The 14,000-teu MSC Ravenna (built 2011) was en route from China to the US when the incident occurred.
Michael Dequito Monegro, 41, from the Philippines, was charged on Monday with performing an act of violence against a person that is likely to endanger the safe navigation of a ship, according to the US Attorney's Office.
The federal offence carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Prosecutors allege Monegro used two knives to repeatedly stab the unnamed Filipino victim on 20 September.
Other members of the crew saw the attack, while the master persuaded the accused to hand over the knives.
Monegro was detained in a cabin aboard the ship. Colleagues took turns guarding him, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Crewman admits attack
The vessel docked in Los Angeles on 22 September. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Coast Guard Investigative Service boarded the ship after gaining permission from the owner.
"Based on an initial assessment of the body, it appears that (the victim) was stabbed approximately 17 times, had multiple defensive wounds to his hands, and lacerations to his throat, face, and leg," according to an affidavit.
During an interview on board the MSC Ravenna, Monegro admitted to stabbing the victim repeatedly, authorities alleged in the affidavit revealed.
The document goes on to say that some of the crew have been traumatised by the incident.
Monegro was arrested on Sunday.
AIS shows the vessel has now left Los Angeles for Oakland.
Switzerland-based MSC said: "MSC is aware of an incident on a chartered containership which was operating on one of our cargo services near California.
"MSC is not in a position to comment as the ship is owned and operated by independent third parties, including in respect of the employment and management of the crew."
