UK Convicts MSC Ship Captain for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

65-year-old Polish ship captain Zbigniew Chowaniec was given a suspended prison sentence and fined in the UK after being caught operating his ship, MSC Roshney V, while under the influence of alcohol. Police boarded the nearly 300-meter-long ship in Felixstowe on January 15, 2010, and detected a strong odor of alcohol. A breathalyzer test confirmed that Chowaniec’s alcohol level was well above the legal limit for seafarers.

Chowaniec admitted his guilt and expressed deep regret for his actions. He was given an eight-week suspended prison sentence and fined £494. Despite the seriousness of the offense, the judge took into account Chowaniec’s clean record and the fact that he posed no danger to the public. However, the judge also warned that future offenses could result in prison sentences.

This incident has put an end to Chowaniec’s days as a ship’s captain, and he has accepted that his career in that role is now behind him. The judge’s decision was based on the severity of the offense and Chowaniec’s remorse, but also on the potential consequences of any future offenses.

Source .