Introduction to the Incident
A container ship captain has been arrested, accused of operating the vessel while drunk with a blood alcohol content level six times the limit for mariners.
Details of the Arrest
The captain of the MSC Jubilee IX — a 333-meter container ship operating under the Liberian flag — was arrested Wednesday in Seattle, the Coast Guard said in a news release Saturday. The captain’s name was not disclosed.
Reporting of the Incident
A Puget Sound pilot aboard the ship had reported to the Coast Guard watchstanders that the captain was “exhibiting signs of intoxication.” The pilot and first mate operated the vessel from near Everett, Washington, to the Port of Seattle “without incident,” the release said.
Investigation and Testing
After the ship moored at Terminal 5, a Coast Guard team and Coast Guard Investigative Service agents boarded the vessel. The captain completed a field sobriety and breathalyzer test, “which found that he was impaired more than six times the legal limit for commercial mariners," the guard said.
Legal Implications
Under federal law, a person operating a vessel other than a recreational vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of .04% or more is considered to be under the influence.
Consequences and Next Steps
The captain was arrested and transported to the King County Jail. Charges were referred to the King County Prosecutor for boating under the influence, and the case remains under investigation. The prosecutor’s office did not immediately return a request for comment.
Resumption of Operations
The vessel was given a relief captain and has since been cleared to resume operations, the Coast Guard said.
Statement from Authorities
“The Coast Guard is proud to ensure the safety and security of the maritime transportation system,” Paul Shultz, Special Agent in Charge of the CGIS Northwest Field Office, said in a statement. “The Pilot’s immediate intervention mitigated significant risks and ensured the safe passage of the vessel.”
Conclusion
The arrest of the container ship captain highlights the importance of sobriety in maritime operations. The swift action taken by the Puget Sound pilot and the Coast Guard ensured the safety of the vessel, its crew, and the surrounding environment. This incident serves as a reminder of the strict laws and regulations in place to prevent such incidents and the serious consequences that follow when these laws are violated.
FAQs
Q: What were the circumstances of the captain’s arrest?
A: The captain was arrested after a Puget Sound pilot reported signs of intoxication, and subsequent testing revealed a blood alcohol content level six times the limit for mariners.
Q: What are the legal implications of operating a vessel under the influence?
A: Under federal law, a person operating a vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of .04% or more is considered to be under the influence.
Q: What happened to the vessel after the captain’s arrest?
A: The vessel was given a relief captain and has since been cleared to resume operations.
Q: What is the current status of the case?
A: The case remains under investigation, with charges referred to the King County Prosecutor for boating under the influence.
