Jeju Coast Guard Catches 50s Captain Operating Vessel While Intoxicated

Published 27 Jun.2022 15:53(KST)

[Jeju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Jeongpil] A man identified as A was caught violating the Maritime Safety Act for operating a ship's steering wheel while intoxicated 6.1 km northwest off Jeju Port.

According to the Jeju Maritime Police Station on the 27th, at 5:19 PM on the 25th, a report was received from Jeju VTS about a vessel dangerously navigating too close to the breakwater near Jeju Port.

The Jeju Police Substation's coastal rescue boat was dispatched and arrived at the scene around 5:45 PM, where they found vessel B (24 tons / nearshore jigging / 5 crew members) continuing to move northwest.

The Jeju Maritime Police immediately stopped the vessel and conducted a breathalyzer test on the captain, Mr. A (male in his 50s), which showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.041%, resulting in charges for violating Article 41 of the Maritime Safety Act (prohibition of operating steering while intoxicated).

Additionally, vessel C nearby was used to safely escort the ship into Jeju Port.

A Jeju Maritime Police official stated, “Drunk navigation is a serious crime that can threaten the precious lives and property of oneself and others and must never be done. Since the special crackdown period on drunk navigation continues until the end of next month, we will continue strong enforcement activities against drunk navigation.”