Behavior Reported By Witnesses In Five-Star Resort In Cape Verde

British low-cost airline group easyJet suspended one of its captains after being reported by guests who witnessed him drunk and naked at a luxury resort hotel in Cape Verde on August 5. He was due to fly a return leg to London Gatwick more than 36 hours later but the airline grounded him after the complaints and locating a replacement pilot.

A spokesman for easyJet told media the pilot’s actions will be investigated and that crew and passenger safety was its highest priority.

Shortly after his arrival, the captain began drinking at the Melia Dunas Beach Resort and Spa on the island nation in the central Atlantic Ocean off the western coast of Africa. After his extended drinking session, he was seen walking around in common areas of the resort in the early morning hours of August 5.

Guests reported that around 2:30 am local time, the pilot stripped and wandered into the reception area and then proceeded on to the gym and spa.

An anonymous airline source was reported to have said, “The pilot did not have a stitch on and reeked of alcohol. Anyone who saw the pilot cavorting naked in the early hours on the day before a flight would not dream of getting on a plane with him at the controls."

The easyJet spokesman said, "As soon as we were made aware, the pilot was immediately stood down from duty, in line with our procedures, pending an investigation. The safety of our passengers and crew is EasyJet's highest priority."

FMI:  www.easyjet.com/