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Drunk helmsmen stopped on cargo ship in Magdeburg
🇩🇪 Germany /Crime & Justice

Drunk helmsmen stopped on cargo ship in Magdeburg

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • Police in Magdeburg stopped a cargo ship after receiving a tip that two helmsmen were heavily intoxicated.
  • Breathalyzer tests revealed blood alcohol levels of 3.2 and 2.0 per mille for the two men.
  • The ship was prohibited from continuing its journey due to the helmsmen's condition, and multiple administrative offense proceedings were initiated.

The water police in Magdeburg have temporarily removed two helmsmen from duty after they were found to be heavily intoxicated while operating a cargo ship. The intervention came after a responsible ship's captain alerted authorities, reporting that his crew members appeared to be significantly under the influence of alcohol.

The two helmsmen were completely drunk.

— Police statementDescribing the condition of the two individuals found operating the cargo ship.

Upon arrival at the scene near the Rothensee lock, officers conducted breathalyzer tests on the two helmsmen. The results were stark: one registered a blood alcohol content of 3.2 per mille, while the other had 2.0 per mille. Both levels are considered extremely high and indicative of severe intoxication.

Because the two helmsmen were completely drunk, the cargo ship was forbidden from continuing its journey.

— Police statementExplaining the immediate consequence of the discovery.

Due to the critical condition of the helmsmen, the cargo ship was immediately forbidden from continuing its voyage. The police stated that multiple administrative offense proceedings have been initiated against the two individuals. The incident highlights the dangers of operating heavy machinery, especially vessels on waterways, while under the influence of alcohol.

The control in the area of the Rothensee lock occurred after a tip from the responsible ship's captain, who informed the police that his two crew members were obviously significantly intoxicated.

— Police statementDetailing how the police became aware of the situation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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