Japan ferry operator Tokai Kisen gets vessel suspension over crew drinking

Japan's transport ministry issued a vessel operation suspension order to Tokai Kisen, a ferry operator serving Tokyo's island routes, following crew alcohol violations. Three of five ships, including a large passenger ferry and two jetfoils, will be suspended for 20 days starting October 9. The order stems from a New Year's Day incident where crew members, including the captain, drank alcohol before standing watch, and an April case where a crew member used a substitute to bypass alcohol testing. The ministry initially considered a harsher business suspension but opted for the vessel-level penalty to protect essential island lifelines. Tokai Kisen, which carries 600,000 passengers annually and operates nearly daily routes to Kozu Island and Hachijojima, will deploy two substitute ships from group companies. The company president acknowledged that pride had turned into arrogance, while officials noted reduced capacity would have limited impact post-summer peak season.