SYDNEY, March 15 (UPI) -- The captain of a ship that leaked nearly 53,000 gallons of oil along the Australian coast has surrendered his passport as required by officials.
The Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported Sunday that maritime officials also want the captain of the Pacific Adventurer to remain on board for at least the next two weeks as authorities investigate.
Mick Carr of the Maritime Union of Australia said the moves by officials were expected.
"That comes as no surprise to me at all given the widespread nature of the spill," he said.
Queensland Deputy Premier Paul Lucas said the captain's passport is being held by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
"There are a lot of questions that need to be answered in this investigation, we don't want this captain of the ship going anywhere," Lucas was quoted as saying.
ABC reported that the ship's owner, Swire Shipping, said the captain, whose name wasn't reported, and crew would stay on the vessel in Brisbane for as long as required.
