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Dutch master sentenced for drinking on duty

A ship’s master who took control of a ship while more than twice over the legal drink-drive limit has been given a suspended prison sentence in the UK.

Captain Emile Huizinga, 48, attempted to move his ship Skagern, owned by Dutch firm MF Ship, in Hull’s King George Dock (pictured) on September 6.

A pilot onboard suspected the master was under the influence of alcohol and took control of the ship.

Bernard Gateshill, prosecuting at Hull Crown Court, said: “The pilot noticed that the defendant could not properly control the vessel as it moved from its position in the dock to the dock gate.”

Police carried out a preliminary breath test on Dutch national Huizinga, which proved positive.

Huizinga was given a six-month prison sentence, which will be suspended for 18 months as well as being fined £250.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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