Tag: alcohol

Ireland's MCIB issued an investigation report on a fatal incident at Killybegs Harbour Co. Donegal in March 2019. The investigation revealed a man fell in the water while transiting from one vessel to another, after consumption of alcohol and in poor weather that caused movement of vessels.

In its latest investigation report UK MAIB focuses on a fatal incident concerning a skipper onboard a UK-registered fishing vessel ‘Artemis’ who fell head-first through an access hatch between the vessel’s wheelhouse and its mess deck 2.1m below, resulting to severe head injuries and died. The report notes that a significant factor of the accident was that the skipper was under the influence of alcohol.

The Ukrainian Captain of the Gibraltar-flagged bulk carrier 'Rainbow Quest' pleaded guilty to operating a commercial cargo ship while intoxicated, according to US Attorney David L. Anderson and USCG Captain of the Port Marie Byrd. 

US Coast Guard Sector Virginia suspended the Merchant Mariner Credential of a ship's captain, after finding out that he was operating the vessel under the influence of alcohol during an accident that caused the vessel to run aground. The tugboat Niki Jo C drifted off course and ran aground outside the main channel of the Rappahannock River, on November 14, 2019.

Japanese shipping company K Line announced the introduction of strict alcohol management onboard its ships, as part of its efforts to ensure safe navigation. The system foresees installment of an alcohol detector linked to a smartphone.

Transport Malta's MSIU issued an investigation report on the fatal fall of the second engineer onboard the general cargo ship MV Khosrov Bey while underway in November 2018. The investigation noted the high level of alcohol may have impaired his cognition or caused poor coordination. 

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued an accident report according to which on December 30, 2018, the passenger vessel Nippon Maru struck mooring dolphins at a US Navy fuelling wharf in Apra Harbor, Guam, revealing that the master had consumed alcohol before and after the accident. 

The challenges of life onboard a vessel may make crews more eager to the use of drugs or alcohol, which has implications for the safety of the vessel and everyone onboard; Thus, Maritime New Zealand cooperated with The Federation of Commercial Fishermen, Seafood NZ, Fishing InShore New Zealand, Moana Fisheries and Guard Safety to develop a comprehensive health and safety campaign.

Ireland's Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) issued an investigation report on a fatal incident involving a recreational powerboat off the Coonanna Pier in Co. Kerry, in September 2018. The report highlighted issues related to lack of basic safety equipment and consumption of alcohol. 

Any level of alcohol consumption or illegal drugs by crew members onboard has implications for the safety of the vessel, the crew and any passengers. Even small quantities of alcohol have been shown to sufficiently impair seafarer’s fitness for duty and increase the risk of accidents.