Ministry: He Has ‘Been Relieved Of His Duties’
The Ministry of Transport confirmed that a ferry pilot “has been relieved of duties, and an internal investigation is in progress.”
This follows after Ascot Lightbourne, 60, pleaded guilty in Court to piloting the ferry Serenity while impaired. The Gazette reported that, “The court heard that the Serenity left its overnight berth in Hamilton Harbour around 1.26pm last Thursday with Lightbourne as skipper and crew members on board. The ferry collided with the nearby ferry terminal as Lightbourne tried to dock and forced commuters on the floating dock to take evasive action.”
Following the court appearance, a Government spokesperson told Bernews, “The Ministry of Transport advises that there are existing provisions under section 114 of the Marine Board Act 1962 [PDF] to address piloting a boat when impaired by alcohol or a drug.”
“The Ministry can also advise that the officer has been relieved of his duties and an internal investigation is in progress.”
