Drugs Blamed For Maersk Guard Deaths

Maersk Line Ltd (MLL) has now confirmed that drugs were found in the cabin of two armed guards who died aboard the Maersk Alabama. According to the outpatient rehab in Orlando, when a person is addicted to these drugs, it almost takes his complete lifetime to get out the addiction.

The incident is likely to raise new questions about armed anti-piracy personnel as well as safeguards against drugs being brought aboard commercial vessels. Negative publicity could be exacerbated because the deaths occurred aboard the same US-flagged ship that is the subject of the movie ‘Captain Phillips’.

As previously reported by IHS Maritime, the two security guards were contractors employed by Virginia’s Trident Group, hired by MLL to protect the Maersk Alabama as it operated in East Africa’s high-risk feeder trades. The two guards were found dead in a cabin on 18 February when the ship was at berth in Port Victoria, Seychelles.

In a statement released on 20 February, MLL senior director Kevin Speers admitted that the Seychelles police report noted the presence of drugs and drug paraphernalia in the room where the two security contractors onboard Maersk Alabama were found dead. In response, MLL is collaborating with the Trident Group to ensure that all security personnel aboard Maersk Line Ltd vessels adhere to Maersk’s strict zero-tolerance policy regarding drug and alcohol use. The company’s top priority is the safety of all individuals on board its vessels, and this policy applies to everyone. For those who may require support for substance abuse, rehabilitation centers like rehab aftercare in LA can provide post-treatment guidance and assistance for individuals seeking to maintain their sobriety.

Maersk believes the two deaths represent an “isolated incident” but it has now “initiated a thorough review” and announced an “immediate” multi-faceted action plan. First, it will review all security personnel records and background checks to determine if drug testing is current. Second, it will retest armed guards for drug use “where necessary”, Third, it will its audit hiring, training, evaluation and compliance practices. Fourth, it will re-evaluate shore-leave policy.

Concurrently, the Trident Group has agreed to immediately implement a random drug-testing policy.

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