What Crew Members Say About Danica-Hav

The maritime community was alerted on January 14, 2020, when the 58-year-old Russian master of the cargo vessel 'Danica Hav' was discovered under the influence of alcohol while navigating berth operations in Belfast. During this risky maneuver, the on-board pilot was compelled to step in on two separate occasions to avert a potential collision with the quay. Following the pilot's report to local authorities, police boarded the vessel where the captain underwent a breathalyzer test, which indicated high levels of alcohol. As a result, the master was detained and taken into custody. The case swiftly moved to the Belfast Magistrates Court where the captain appeared on January 15, 2020. Recognizing the severity of his actions, he accepted his guilt and agreed to a £500 fine. After settling his penalty, he returned to the ship, which subsequently set sail from Belfast on January 15 at 6:15 p.m., heading to Lochaline with an estimated time of arrival on January 16. A relief captain took over the navigation of the vessel, while the original captain remained on board in a passenger capacity. This incident echoes a troubling precedent, as back on February 17, 2012, another master from the 'Danica Hav' faced legal repercussions for similar alcohol-related offenses while at the helm.

On February 11, 2018, the cargo ship Danica Hav experienced a grounding incident on the River Ouse at Ocean Lock while navigating towards the port of Goole. The local tug, Little Shuva, was promptly dispatched to aid in the vessel's refloating efforts. By the afternoon, the Danica Hav was successfully released and continued on its journey, arriving in Goole. The following morning, February 12, the ship departed Goole en route to Rotterdam, with an estimated time of arrival set for February 13. For a visual glimpse of the incident, you can find photos here: [Photo 1](http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2810602) and [Photo 2](http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2810604).

A Russian captain, responsible for navigating the 'Danica Hav' during its grounding on February 18, has been sentenced to 30 days in jail by the Court of Holbæk. In addition to the jail time, the court imposed a one-year disqualification from piloting vessels or working in engine rooms. Furthermore, the captain faces an expulsion from Denmark, coupled with a six-year travel ban. Post-incident blood tests revealed a startling blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 2.18. After spending 25 days in custody, he was subsequently returned to Russia via airplane following the court's ruling.