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Drunken Master fined $2,200 by New Zealand court

Drunken Master fined $2,200 by New Zealand court
The drunk master of a China Navigation Co. multi-purpose vessel has been fined NZD3,000 ($2,200) by a New Zealand court after being over five times the legal alcohol limit.

Captain Anthony Baker, 53, pleaded guilty in Whangarei District Court on Monday to contravening the blood alcohol limit under New Zealand’s Maritime Transport Act.

Baker was found to 1,345 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath compared to limit for a seafarer of 250mcg. The Master of the Shansi was breath-tested on Friday after docking at Northport when the vessel’s pilot suspected he was drunk.

Baker's lawyer Nick Leader told the court his client has been suspended by his employer and it would be difficult for him to find work in a similar profession in future, the New Zealand Herald reported.

A British national Baker expressed remorse in court and accepted he has to get over his drinking problem.

Baker could have been fined up to NZD10,000 or jailed for a maximum of 12 months.