Captain A's Blood Alcohol Concentration 0.075%, Suspected Violation of Maritime Traffic Safety Act
Mokpo Coast Guard Station (Chief Kwon Oh-seong) apprehended Captain A (in his 60s) for violating the Maritime Traffic Safety Act after operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol near the southern part of Amhaedo, Sinan-gun, at around 6:44 a.m. on the 4th.
According to Mokpo Coast Guard, at approximately 6:22 a.m., they received a report from a passing vessel that the ship B (89 tons, nearshore jigging, registered in Pohang, with 10 crew members) had run aground in the accident area, and they immediately dispatched a team to the scene.
The vessel ran aground at sea near Aphe Island while operating under the influence of alcohol. [Photo by Mokpo Maritime Police Station]
Upon arrival, the Coast Guard confirmed there were no casualties or marine pollution and conducted a breathalyzer test on Captain A, which showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.075%.
It was reported that there were no human casualties or marine pollution, and the Coast Guard plans to investigate the circumstances of Captain A’s drunk navigation and punish him according to relevant laws.
A Mokpo Coast Guard official stated, “Operating a vessel under the influence at sea can lead to serious accidents. We urge maritime workers to recognize that this is a grave crime that threatens the precious lives and property of others,” adding, “The Coast Guard will strengthen crackdowns to eradicate drunk navigation and strive to create a safe sea.”
Meanwhile, to eradicate ‘customary drunk navigation,’ the Mokpo Coast Guard has been conducting intensive inspections on all vessels?including fishing boats, passenger ships, and leisure boats?from July 17 until August 31, focusing on raising awareness among maritime workers by checking for drunk navigation before and after departure.
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