Erin Brockovich in drunken boating arrest

Environmental activist Erin Brockovich, portrayed in a 2000 film about her fight over the pollution of a California town, has been arrested on suspicion of boating while intoxicated.

Brockovich, 52, was arrested at Lake Mead, near Las Vegas, on Friday night after breath tests showed her blood-alcohol level was just over twice the legal limit.

She was seen struggling to moor her motorboat at the Las Vegas Boat Harbour, a spokesman for the Nevada Department of Wildlife said.

“She was not sure how to manoeuvre the boat into the dock,” Mr Lyngar said. “It’s a simple thing if you can think clearly. But if you add alcohol and unfamiliarity of the area, it can all cause serious problems.”

Brockovich, who was released after posting US$1,000 bail, said later that the arrest was “clearly a big mistake” and that there was “no public safety risk”.

She said: “At no time was the boat away from the dock and there was no public safety risk.

“That being said, I take drunk driving very seriously, this was clearly a big mistake, I know better and I am very sorry.

“After a day in the sun and with nothing to eat it appears that a couple of drinks had a greater impact than I had realised.”

Under Nevada law, a first-time offence of boating while intoxicated can draw a fine of up to $2,000.