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Container Ship Captain Arrested Following UK Tanker Collision

In WITHERNSEA, England, British police arrested the captain of a cargo ship on Tuesday on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter following a collision with a U.S. military jet fuel tanker off the east coast of England. The tanker, Stena Immaculate, was hit by the smaller Solong, resulting in significant damage and environmental concerns.

Transport minister Heidi Alexander confirmed that both vessels are not expected to sink, contrary to initial assessments. One crew member from the Solong is presumed dead, with all other crew accounted for. The arrested man, identified as the ship's captain, is cooperating with authorities, according to Ernst Russ, the ship's owner.

The vessels' condition was described after the collision, with the Stena Immaculate showing fire damage and the Solong being badly burned and smouldering. Efforts are underway to contain potential pollution, but the environmental impact of the spilled jet fuel remains a concern for the delicate coastal ecosystem in the area.

Authorities have deployed resources to address the situation, and ongoing assessments are being conducted to evaluate the environmental impact. While most of the jet fuel has burned off, risks persist, although the risk to public health is deemed minimal. The investigation into the safety systems' failure onboard the vessels is ongoing.

No foul play is suspected at present, according to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesperson. The maritime authorities from the U.S. and Portugal, as flag states of the vessels, hold primary responsibility for investigating the crash, with assistance from Britain's Marine Accident Investigation Branch.