Associated Press - April 10, 2008 7:04 AM ET

WASHINGTON (AP) - There's more information coming out about medical issues involving the pilot of the ship that sideswipped a support tower of the Bay Bridge last fall.

Federal investigators have revealed that Capt. John Cota was convicted of DUI and took prescription drugs that could have affected his cognitive abilities.

According to testimony at a National Transportation Safety Board hearing today, Cota was apparently diagnosed with alcoholism and developed pancreatitis as a result of his drinking.

A doctor who provides performs physicals for the Federal Aviation Administration and also examines mariners, testified today that Cota should not have been granted a pilot's license by the Coast Guard after a physical last year.

Cota was piloting the 900-foot Cosco Busan when it sideswiped a support of the bridge in November. Damage from the collision damaged the ship, leading to a spill of 53,000 gallons of fuel oil into San Francisco Bay.

Cota has pleaded not guilty to criminal negligence and violating environmental laws.

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