Pilot Reported Arriving Containership’s Captain Appeared to be Intoxicated

Canary Islands took swift action after a containership pilot reported that the vessel’s captain appeared to be intoxicated while attempting to dock. The incident occurred as the vessel, Wec Frans Hals, approached the La Luz terminal on Gran Canaria, where it exhibited erratic behavior, raising concerns about its safe docking.

The pilot promptly notified the Maritime Authority, which involved the Guardia Civil to investigate the situation. Upon boarding the ship, the police administered a breathalyzer test to the captain, revealing that his blood alcohol level was significantly above the legal limit, measuring 1.13 mg/l against the allowed .25 mg/l. As a result, the captain was fined €75,000 (approximately $83,000) and is currently under investigation by the shipping line, which may lead to his dismissal.

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The Wec Frans Hals, a small container vessel registered in Portugal with a capacity of 862 TEU, was held in port for two days until a replacement captain could be sent to take command. The vessel resumed its regular service between Spain and the Canary Islands after the new captain took over.