Drunken Officer Blamed for Ship Collision in Denmark

An Antigua and Barbuda-flagged cargo ship collided with a yacht and port infrastructure in the Danish port of Korsør on June 8 after its intoxicated captain attempted to maneuver the vessel, according to reports. While the incident caused substantial damage, no injuries were reported.

The 104.23-meter cargo vessel Olympus Trader had arrived from Wismar and was maneuvering without a pilot when its stern struck the yacht Niddasche. The impact brought down the yacht’s mast and rigging.

The yacht’s owners, a couple in their seventies who were onboard at the time, jumped into the water during the incident but escaped unharmed. Damage to the yacht has been estimated at approximately €100,000 (around US$115,000).

After hitting the yacht, the cargo vessel continued into the quay, causing damage to port infrastructure and knocking over three lamp posts.

Authorities later boarded the vessel and carried out alcohol and drug testing on the Russian chief officer, who returned a positive result. The ship was subsequently detained for further inspection.

The chief officer was charged under Danish maritime legislation and later released after providing a blood sample. According to reports, he could face a prison sentence of up to two years if convicted. Meanwhile, the Maritime Accident Investigation Board has opened an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the collision.