A ship captain was arrested in Seattle after being suspected of operating a container vessel while under the influence of alcohol, reports NBC News.
Containership captain arrested
The incident came to light when a Puget Sound pilot, who was onboard during the transit from an anchorage near Everett to a Seattle terminal, noticed clear signs that the captain appeared impaired. Concerned about safety, the pilot promptly alerted authorities.
Once the vessel safely arrived at the terminal, a U.S. Coast Guard team boarded the ship to investigate. The captain was given a field sobriety test and a breathalyzer, which confirmed that he was well above the legal alcohol limit for commercial mariners—reportedly more than six times the allowed level.
Following the tests, the captain was arrested and taken to King County Jail. Charges were referred to the local prosecutor’s office for operating a vessel while intoxicated. The ship remained docked until a new captain could be brought in, after which it resumed normal operations.
Authorities commended the quick action taken by the pilot, noting that the situation could have posed a serious safety risk had it gone unreported. The case highlights the critical role maritime pilots play in ensuring the safety of both the crew and port infrastructure, as well as the importance of enforcing alcohol regulations in commercial shipping.
Operating a large cargo vessel requires complete alertness and responsibility. Maritime laws set strict alcohol limits for a reason—any impairment behind the helm of a massive ship can have far-reaching and dangerous consequences. The Coast Guard emphasized its continued commitment to upholding safety standards on U.S. waters and holding accountable those who violate them.
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Source: NBC News
