British captain five times over limit while trying to dock ship in New Zealand
Officials hope the captain's punishment will serve as a "warning" to seafarers over manning ships while under the influence.
Monday 7 August 2017 15:01, UK
A British captain has been stripped of his licence after attempting to berth a 722ft cargo ship while five times over the legal alcohol limit.
Anthony Michael Baker, 53, returned a breath test of 1,345 micrograms of alcohol per litre, far surpassing the New Zealand limit of 250.
Harbour staff noticed his 40,000-tonne ship, Shansi, experiencing problems as it docked in Marsden Point in northern New Zealand on Friday.
The drunken sailor was arrested and held in custody before appearing in Whangarei District Court, where he pleaded guilty to breaching New Zealand maritime law.
He was fined NZ$3,000 (£1,700) as well as being suspended by his employer.
His lawyer told the court the captain had been "suspended by his employer and it would be difficult for him to find work in a similar profession in future".
Neil Rowarth, the regional manager for New Zealand's maritime authority, said the punishment served as a "strong warning".
"The master is legally responsible for their ship and all on board," he said.
"A shipping accident can have tragic and widespread consequences… alcohol impairs judgement and increases the risk of accidents."
Baker, from Devon, was not on duty when the vessel was due to berth and had been drinking before he was called to the bridge when the Shansi ran into problems.
He resumed drinking once the ship was docked, his lawyer said.