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Captain Fined in Belfast Port for Being 'Drunk'

28th December 2017
A captain was fined £1,000 after being found drunk in charge of a ship at Belfast Port A captain was fined £1,000 after being found drunk in charge of a ship at Belfast Port Credit: Belfast Harbour

#BelfastLough - A 'drunk' captain found in charge of his ship at Belfast Port on Boxing Day has been fined £1,000.

The Irish News writes that Patryk Tetzlaff (38) was four times over the limit while in charge of a vessel carrying out refuelling duties at other ships.

He is now expected to be repatriated to his native Poland, where he may face further sanctions from his professional body.

Belfast Magistrates' Court heard Harbour Police were called in amid concerns over Tetzlaff's state.

His boat had been refuelling a ferry docked at the port.

During a breath test he admitted having taken half a bottle of vodka, prosecutors said.

Tetzlaff, of no fixed address, admitted a charge of having excess alcohol while on duty as professional master of a ship.

A defence solicitor argued that the captain was not drinking during manoeuvres.

To read more click the link here.

Published in Belfast Lough
Jehan Ashmore

About The Author

Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals. 

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