Prosecutors are calling for the death sentence for a Chinese fishing boat captain who was charged in the stabbing death of a Korean coastguardsman late last year.

The 43-year-old boat captain is on trial for the killing of 42-year-old sergeant Lee Cheong-ho during the Coast Guard's crackdown on illegal Chinese fishing operations last December.

For the nine other Chinese fisherman aboard the vessel, the prosecution is asking for two to three year sentences and 20 million won fines for charges including obstruction of official duty.

The final trial will be held at Incheon District Court on April 19th. The Incheon Public Prosecutors' Office says heavy punishment is inevitable considering a number of factors. Prosecutors say the captain's murder was thoroughly planned, and he hasn't compensated the victim. The victim's family is also asking for a harsh sentence to be handed down.

Lee was murdered on December 12th when the Chinese captain's vessel was seized by the Korean Coast Guard while operating illegally in Korean waters near Socheong Island near Incheon City.