BALTIMORE – The Coast Guard conducted a law enforcement boarding of a passenger vessel transporting five schoolchildren from Crisfield, Md., to Smith Island, Md., Wednesday.

During the boarding, the operator of the 60-foot passenger vessel tested positive for use of alcohol and was detained by the Coast Guard until a Maryland Natural Resources Police crew could arrive.

Once on scene, the police arrested the individual and transported the children home.

The Coast Guard has temporarily suspended the license of the operator and will initiate administrative proceedings against the operator.

The case is currently under investigation.

"The Coast Guard and Maryland Natural Resources Police take this type of violation seriously and will aggressively work to make our waterways safer for the boating public," said Sgt. Art Windemuth, the public information officer for NRP.

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