Captain alcoholized: Ship accident in Bremen ports-Investigations are running!

Captain alcoholized: Ship accident in Bremen ports-Investigations are running!

Bremen-Häfen, Deutschland - A serious incident in the shipping area happened on June 12, 2025 in the Bremen industrial port. A Russian captain, 55 years old, was under considerable alcohol influence. With over 1.6 per thousand alcohol in the blood, there was an unfortunate collision with a ship on the pier. Fortunately, this incident remained without injuries, but the damage to both ships is now the subject of the investigation by the Bremen water protection police, which takes a close look at the incident. The authorities currently do not provide any information about the exact dimensions of property damage.

The water protection police found in the captain's smell of alcohol and prompted a voluntary breath alcohol test that confirmed the suspicion. The journey was then prohibited. A stated blood sample followed and the establishment of a security deposit of 5,000 euros was required. Investigations into danger of shipping traffic are already in the corridor, which is not unusual for such serious incidents.

alcohol boundaries on the water

What many may not know: In Germany, strict alcohol boundaries apply on the water. The limit for leading ships on federal waterways, inland navigation roads and other inland waters is set to 0.5 per thousand. The incident with the captain, who exceeds the border with more than triple, hardens the need to ensure that the safety in shipping traffic. With a value of 1.1 per thousand, one is already considered absolutely driving - regardless of their behavior on the water. This corresponds to the regulations, which are anchored, among other things, in the Bussgeld catalog.

sanctions for violations can be quite sensitive. Already at 0.5 to 1.09 per thousand there are fines of up to 2,500 euros. Those who are even caught over 1.1 per thousand must expect money or prison terms and the arrangement of an MPU. Especially in passenger shipping, absolute zero is valid, even the lowest values ​​lead to serious consequences here.

alcohol and security

How important compliance with these alcohol boundaries is also the responsibility of the crew members. These must all stick to the limit of 0.5 per thousand, since they are jointly responsible for the safe guidance of the ship, regardless of the function in which they work. This regulation becomes clear in the [Blauwasser] (https://www.blauwasser.de/ alcohol-yacht-promille-segler) and makes it clear that fines can be imposed from 0.3 per thousand if misconduct is determined. If you consider that alcohol affects attention and responsiveness, it becomes understandable why these regulations are enforced so rigorously.

The incident in the port of Bremen once again reminds us of the importance of compliance with security standards in shipping and the difficult consequences that alcohol consumption can have. It remains to be hoped that such events can be avoided in the future and that everyone involved acts responsibly.