Background
The National Transportation Safety Board investigated and determined multiple probable causes of the incident. These included: failure of the third mate to maneuver the vessel, probably due to fatigue and excessive workload, failure of the master to provide proper navigation watch, possibly due to the impairment from alcohol, failure of Exxon shipping company to provide rested and sufficient crew, failure of the U.S. Coast Guard to provide an effective vessel traffic system, and lack of effective pilot and escort services.
Regarding the rumors about the captain being intoxicated at the time of the incident, the captain was seen at a local bar and admitted to having some drinks. A blood test showed that alcohol was in his system several hours after the incident. He stated he was not impaired by alcohol, but was charged with operating a vessel while under the influence. An Alaskan jury found him not guilty. He was charged with negligent discharge of oil, which is a misdemeanor. The captain was fined 50,000 dollars and 1000 hours of community service.
