Mokpo Coast Guard Catches Tugboat Refusing Breathalyzer Test

Vessel Mobilized for Replacement Runs Aground... Mokpo Coast Guard Rescue

Mokpo Maritime Police Station (Chief Kim Hae-cheol) received a report at around 6:08 a.m. on the 3rd from the Mokpo Metropolitan Maritime Traffic Control Center (VTS) about a vessel suspected of drunk navigation.

The maritime police used a coastal rescue boat and ordered the B vessel (43t, tugboat, Wando-registered), which was towing the A vessel (barge, unpowered), to stop. They boarded and attempted to conduct a breathalyzer test on the captain, Mr. C (in his 70s), three times at 10-minute intervals, but he refused.

A mooring vessel waiting to move according to the tide [Photo by Mokpo Maritime Police Station]

Following the refusal of the breathalyzer test on the B vessel under relevant laws, the maritime police immediately deployed the D vessel (50t, tugboat, Busan-registered) to tow both the barge A and the tugboat B.

At around 9:04 a.m. that day, the D vessel, towing A and B vessels, ran aground along with the A vessel due to shallow water.

After assessing the situation at the grounding accident site, the maritime police confirmed that there were no casualties or damage to the vessels and conducted safety management of the surrounding waters.

Meanwhile, the grounded vessels (A and D) reportedly moved under their own power in accordance with the tide at around 11:34 a.m. that day and safely docked at Geumho Sand Pier together with the B vessel.

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