Captain arrested on suspicion of operating container ship drunk

[ad_1] A container ship captain has been arrested, accused of working the vessel whereas drunk with a blood alcohol content material degree six instances the restrict for mariners.

The captain of the MSC Jubilee IX — a 333-meter container ship working underneath the Liberian flag — was arrested Wednesday in Seattle, the Coast Guard stated in a information launch Saturday. The captain's identify was not disclosed.

A Puget Sound pilot aboard the ship had reported to the Coast Guard watchstanders that the captain was “exhibiting indicators of intoxication.” The pilot and first mate operated the vessel from close to Everett, Washington, to the Port of Seattle “with out incident,” the discharge stated.

After the ship moored at Terminal 5, a Coast Guard staff and Coast Guard Investigative Service brokers boarded the vessel.

The captain accomplished a discipline sobriety and breathalyzer check, “which discovered that he was impaired greater than six instances the authorized restrict for industrial mariners," the guard stated.

Underneath federal legislation, an individual working a vessel apart from a leisure vessel with a blood alcohol focus of .04% or extra is taken into account to be underneath the affect.

The captain was arrested and transported to the King County Jail. Costs had been referred to the King County Prosecutor for boating underneath the affect, and the case stays underneath investigation. The prosecutor's workplace didn't instantly return a request for remark.

The vessel was given a aid captain and has since been cleared to renew operations, the Coast Guard stated.

“The Coast Guard is proud to make sure the protection and safety of the maritime transportation system,” Paul Shultz, Particular Agent in Cost of the CGIS Northwest Subject Workplace, stated in an announcement. “The Pilot’s quick intervention mitigated vital dangers and ensured the secure passage of the vessel.”