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UPDATED: Drunk Captain Involved with Cargo Ship & Passenger Ferry Collision

Published Mar 9, 2012 4:15 PM by The Maritime Executive

UPDATE: Friday, March 9, 9:15 a.m.

The captain of the cargo ship that collided with a Stena passenger ferry on Wednesday has been charged with being over the legal alcohol limit while being in charge of his vessel.

Captain Miroslaw Pozniak of Poland appeared in court today under the charge of excess alcohol by the master of a ship. He plead guilty and was sent back into custody. He was wearing his captain's uniform in court and confirmed through his lawyer and translator that he understood his crime. Court officials reported that his captain's record was clear and he was fully cooperative with authorities during questioning. 

His cargo ship has been impounded and its cargo scheduled for unloading. 

According to BBC News, an application for bail was made but the district judge said that he could be heard in court again on Monday when the prosecution will decide if this case should proceed in a magistrate's court or the crown court. Until then, Mr. Pozniak will remain in custody.

The Stena Feronia ferry (pictured in thumb photo) had almost 100 passengers and crew on board when it collided with the Union Moon cargo ship. Both vessels were significantly damaged, but there were no human injuries. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and the police are all investigating the incident.

Our initial report on the accident is detailed below. 

Union Moon Cargo Vessel (Source: MarineTraffic)

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A passenger ferry and cargo ship have collided in Belfast Lough, however no injuries have yet been reported.

The collision occurred close to the Fairway buoy about a mile and a half from the shore between Carrickfergus and Helen’s Bay, according to a breaking BBC report.

Police officials are assisting the Maritime and Coastguard Agency with aid. Reportedly, the Stena ferry has now been docked at the Stena terminal. The cargo vessel remains close to the buoy having its damage assessed.