A Ukrainian ship captain has pleaded not guilty to charges of operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol in Washington state. Authorities allege that he captained a massive container ship while intoxicated, with a blood alcohol content nearly three times the legal limit. The case has raised serious concerns about maritime safety and accountability.
Arrest and Investigation
According to court records, the incident came to light when a pilot aboard the vessel noticed a strong smell of alcohol on the captain. Suspicions were confirmed after Coast Guard personnel boarded the ship at a Seattle terminal.
The captain reportedly struggled to cooperate with investigators and failed a field sobriety test. Subsequent breath tests showed blood alcohol levels of 0.24% and 0.25%, far exceeding Washington’s legal boating limit of 0.08%.
Legal Proceedings and Restrictions
The captain, aged 48, was booked into King County Jail but later released on his own recognizance after agreeing to surrender his passport and refrain from operating any vessel.
A district court judge found probable cause for the gross misdemeanor charge. While he denied drinking alcohol, claiming he had only used mouthwash, investigators cited his poor performance on sobriety tests as strong evidence of impairment. He has already agreed to pay a $1,000 civil penalty and awaits a pretrial hearing.
The case highlights the risks posed by impaired ship operators in critical maritime routes such as Puget Sound. While the legal process continues, the incident underscores the importance of strict safety measures and vigilant oversight to prevent such dangerous situations at sea.
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Source: THE SEATTLE TIMES
