The captain of MSC Jubilee IX was arrested in Seattle after failing sobriety tests, with alcohol levels reportedly six times above the legal limit for mariners.
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(Photo unrelated to the reported event.) |
Authorities in Seattle have detained the captain of the container ship MSC Jubilee IX on allegations of operating the vessel while under the influence of alcohol.
The incident occurred on August 20, 2025, as the 8,800-TEU Liberian-flagged vessel departed anchorage near Everett and headed toward Terminal 5. A Puget Sound Pilot who boarded the ship noticed signs of impairment and, together with the first mate, assumed navigational control to ensure the ship reached the dock safely.
Once the vessel was secured at the terminal, Coast Guard officers conducted a routine inspection. During the process, the captain was subjected to field sobriety and breathalyzer tests. Officials reported that his blood-alcohol level measured more than six times the legal limit for licensed mariners.
The captain was arrested on the spot and transferred to King County Jail, where prosecutors are reviewing potential charges for boating under the influence. In the meantime, the MSC Jubilee IX was held at port until a replacement master was appointed.
The case underscores the severe risks alcohol poses in commercial shipping, particularly for large container vessels navigating busy waterways. With a new captain now in command, the ship has been cleared to continue its voyage, though a formal investigation into the incident remains ongoing.