大连海事法院审结首起海事刑事案件

Core Points - The Dalian Maritime Court has adjudicated its first maritime criminal case involving foreign elements, sentencing defendants Ka and Ma for traffic accident crimes [1][2] - The incident involved a foreign steel bulk carrier that collided with a Chinese fishing vessel, resulting in two fatalities and seven missing crew members [1] - The court found that both defendants acted negligently and were directly responsible for the accident, with the foreign vessel deemed primarily liable [1][2] Summary by Sections - Incident Details - On November 1, 2024, a foreign steel bulk carrier loaded with steel departed from Bayuquan Port in Yingkou, Liaoning Province, heading to Tianjin Port [1] - On November 2, during their watch, Ka failed to fulfill his driving duties and allowed Ma, who lacked driving qualifications, to operate the vessel, leading to a collision with a Chinese fishing vessel [1] - Legal Proceedings - The Dalian Maritime Court ruled that both defendants committed traffic accident crimes with particularly severe circumstances [2] - Ka attempted to evade legal consequences by leaving the scene after the accident, constituting a hit-and-run [2] - The shipowner, A company, reached a settlement with the victims' families, paying a total of 12.78 million yuan [2] - Court's Role and Reforms - The Dalian Maritime Court, established in 1984, handles maritime and maritime administrative cases [2] - The court is actively promoting a trial reform pilot program that integrates criminal, civil, and administrative maritime trials, enhancing coordination with relevant departments [2]