Mokpo Coast Guard Catches 60s Captain Operating Vessel Under Heavy Intoxication

Mokpo Coast Guard is conducting a breathalyzer test on Captain A. Photo by Mokpo Coast Guard

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] A captain in his 60s was caught by the coast guard for operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol at sea.

Mokpo Maritime Police Station announced on the 5th that Captain A (60), who operated a tugboat while intoxicated, was caught on charges of violating the Maritime Safety Act.

On the 1st at 5:48 PM, the coast guard received a report from the Mokpo Port Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) about unstable navigation and abnormal communication near Sihado, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do, suspecting drunk navigation, and dispatched a patrol ship to the scene.

At around 6:18 PM, the dispatched coast guard found the suspected intoxicated vessel 3.5 km southwest of Oedaldo, Mokpo City, and conducted a breathalyzer test on Captain A, confirming a blood alcohol concentration of 0.286%, indicating full intoxication.

The coast guard plans to investigate the detailed circumstances of the drunk navigation with Captain A and handle the case according to relevant laws.

A Mokpo coast guard official stated, “Drunk navigation is a serious crime that threatens the precious lives and property of oneself and others and must never be done,” adding, “Since the special crackdown period on drunk navigation lasts until July, we will carry out strong enforcement activities against drunk navigation.”