KAOHSIUNG (TVBS News) — A Cyprus-flagged container ship, the Hyundai Tokyo, crashed into Pier 77 at Kaohsiung Harbor at high speed and a nearly 90-degree angle on Monday (March 20).
The impact caused damage to the floors and walls of the pier.
According to the Maritime and Port Bureau, the ship's pilot was found to have been under the influence of alcohol while leading the ship.
The pilot's blood alcohol level was measured at 0.19 mg/l using a breathalyzer test.
It was later determined that the alcohol in the pilot's system was from the previous night and not consumed while working.
Further investigation revealed this was the third accident involving the same pilot in the past five months.
Under Taiwanese law, pilots are not required to undergo an alcohol test before boarding ships, and the maximum penalty for such an offense is a three-month work suspension.
Pilots in Taiwan are not liable for compensation for damage caused to harbors, despite the high risks involved in the job.
According to reports, the average monthly income for pilots is NT＄500,000, potentially reaching as high as NT＄800,000 for more experienced ones, resulting in an annual salary of up to NT＄10 million.
