RUSSIAN MARINER DRINKS TOO MUCH RUM BEFORE 7,000-TON FREIGHTER COLLIDED WITH SCOTTISH COAST

A mariner drank a large portion of a litre of rum before a large cargo ship collided with the west shores of Scotland. 

 

A 36-year-old Russian was on watch duty intoxicated by liquor when the Lysblink Seaways ran ashore close to Kilchoan, West Scotland, a report found by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB). He drank the rum while taking a break having received a phone call which had caused him some anxiety, the report states. 

 

As per the MAIB, the vessel stayed stuck on the rocks for two days in awful weather bringing about 25 tons of marine gas oil entering the water. The vessel must be scrapped because of harm to its hull (lower structure of the ship). 

 

The report said the officer of the watch (OOW) "had become inattentive due to the effects of alcohol consumption". It included the bridge navigational watch alert system had not been engaged and an off-track alarm had been silenced. "Although a radar watch alarm had sounded every 6 minutes, the OOW was able to reset the alarm without leaving his chair", the report said.

 

The vessel’s proprietor, DFDS Det Forenede Dampskibs- Selskab (The United Steamship Company), has taken action to enhance the safety on their other vessels, "with particular emphasis on control of alcohol consumption".

 

 "What happened on the ship was completely irresponsible. We have a very clear and very clearly communicated zero-tolerance alcohol policy which cannot be misunderstood” says a DFDS spokesman.

 

"We have never seen an officer having violated the policy before and we have never before seen such negligence of our safety procedures. The officer is no longer employed by DFDS. We hope this will not cast a shadow over our other officers who rightfully enjoy a very good reputation."