A crewman has been killed by an intruder on a German containership off Colombia.
Zeaborn Ship Management said in a statement that the incident took place on its 3,752-teu managed vessel Spirit of Hamburg (built 2007) in Cartagena on the afternoon of 16 April.
A "valued seafarer" suffered fatal injuries following "what is believed to be a violent incident with an intruder onboard the ship in the port," the company added.
"The next of kin of the crew member have been notified and will be offered full support in this very difficult time. The crew of Spirit of Hamburg will be receiving psychological help following the tragic death of their colleague."
Initial reports in Colombian media said the victim was 50-year-old master Myo Tun Zaw, a Burmese national.
The company notified all relevant authorities and parties and representatives have arrived in Cartagena to further support the crew, Zeaborn said.
Circumstances not fully known
"The exact circumstances of the violent incident are yet unknown and police have started an official investigation into the events and conducted interviews with the crew of Spirit of Hamburg," the operator added.
The company has been contacted for further information, but it has said it was not commenting beyond the statement, in order not to interfere with the probe.
Authorities in Colombia have meanwhile granted permission for the vessel to move from its berth to the inner anchorage.
"Zeaborn Ship Management is aware of social media reports circulating that the crew would be of Filipino nationality. This is incorrect," the company said.
The operator said three senior officers are now a month beyond their contractual relief date, but are "showing great professionalism" in making the best of the current relief/repatriation restrictions.
All other crew are due for relief between now and October.
Police said the case will eventually be handed over to the Isle of Man flag state.
The ship is classed by DNV GL and insured by the Standard Club.
The last AIS update shows it anchored in Cartagena on 17 April.
