Mokpo Coast Guard Catches 50s Captain Operating Ship While Intoxicated

Mokpo Coast Guard apprehended a captain who operated a vessel while heavily intoxicated on the 11th. (Photo by Mokpo Coast Guard)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Seo Young-seo] Mokpo Maritime Police Station (Chief Jeong Young-jin) announced on the 12th that it apprehended Captain K (51 years old) of vessel A (2.26t coastal gillnet, 1 crew member) for violating the Maritime Safety Act (drunk navigation) after departing from Bukhang pier at 9:58 PM on the 11th.

At the time of arrest, K's blood alcohol concentration was 0.255%, indicating a state of severe intoxication.

K drank with acquaintances in Mokpo and recklessly operated his boat to go to Yuldo house that day, running aground near Jeongjudo, Aphae-eup.

Although the blood alcohol concentration limit for maritime drunk navigation was tightened from 0.05% to 0.03% in 2014, cases of drunk navigation have not been eradicated.

In particular, as the number of fishing vessels beginning full-scale operations increases, the risk of accidents rises, making it especially necessary to be cautious about drunk navigation.

A Mokpo Coast Guard official said, “Operating the helm after drinking is a serious crime that threatens myself and others,” adding, “We will continue strict enforcement against drunk navigation to establish a safe maritime traffic culture.”

Meanwhile, operating a vessel over 5 tons while intoxicated is punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 30 million won, while vessels under 5 tons face fines up to 5 million won.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.