Captain of Tanker Draws Probation in Collision

The captain of a 564-foot tanker that collided with a sportfishing boat outside Los Angeles Harbor in November has been found negligent and placed on probation for nine months by an administrative law judge.

Capt. Arthur Irish of the tanker Sealift Antarctic can continue to operate ocean-going ships, but will have his license automatically suspended for four months if he is found responsible for another mishap during his probation, Judge Harry J. Gardner ruled Tuesday.

Irish was in command of the tanker on Nov. 16 when it collided with the 80-foot fishing boat Shogun, injuring seven fishermen and spilling 2,000 gallons of fuel into the ocean. Gardner found Irish negligent in failing to give way to the smaller vessel and failing to avoid the crash.