What Crew Members Say About Karilin

On January 10, 2015, around noon, the cargo ship 'Christina' experienced a troubling incident in the Kiel Canal at Audorf-Rade due to the actions of its 2nd officer. After departing from Swinoujscie on January 9, the vessel lost control and consequently allided with several pilings, pushing one dolphin completely underwater. Reports indicate that the 38-year-old Eastern European officer inadvertently switched the ship's operation from manual to automatic, leading to a loss of steering capability in the canal's curve. Following the allision, the 'Christina' continued its journey toward Brunsbüttel. Authorities from the Water Police in Brunsbüttel were alerted to the possibility that the duty officer may have been under the influence of alcohol. Upon docking at 6 p.m., officers boarded the vessel and confirmed their suspicions after a breathalyzer test revealed a blood alcohol content of 2.75 per thousand. In light of the findings, a blood sample was ordered at the West Coast Hospital Brunsbüttel, and criminal proceedings were initiated against the officer. Consequently, the prosecutor in Itzehoe mandated that he pay a security deposit equivalent to one month’s salary. Due to the ship being temporarily understaffed following this incident, the voyage could only resume with an exemption issued by the flag State, pending a port state control inspection. The 'Christina' finally departed Brunsbüttel on January 11 at 10:30 p.m., setting sail for St. Malo with an estimated time of arrival on January 14.