The Maritime Authority of Las Palmas, in collaboration with the Civil Guard, has opened a sanctioning file against a ship flying the flag of the Netherlands. A guarantee of 50,000 euros has been imposed after an alcohol test revealed that the captain exceeded the established national and international limits of 0.25mg/l.
The alert regarding the possible state of intoxication of a crew member aboard the vessel Marietje Deborah came from the Maritime Administration of the Netherlands itself, which communicated it via email.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Transport, the maritime captain, Ignacio Gallego, prohibited the ship's departure just as it was ready to leave the port of Las Palmas. After conducting an alcohol test on the entire crew with the support of the Civil Guard, it was confirmed that the captain tested positive. Consequently, the ship was ordered to be detained in port.
In addition to the detention, a MoU inspection (Port State Control inspections for foreign-flagged vessels) is being completed to identify any further deficiencies. The Maritime Authority has already initiated the procedures for the sanctioning file, which will require the shipowner to pay the 50,000 euro guarantee before the vessel can set sail. Furthermore, the entire crew will have to pass a new alcohol test.
