Oyster dredge sinking leaks fuel

ABERDEEN-- The state Department of Ecology says a 50-foot oyster dredge that sank in Grays Harbor leaked an undetermined amount of marine fuel into the bay.

The Coast Guard and Ecology pollution investigators were on the scene Tuesday after the dredge Bay Point was found to have sunk while at dock near the mouth of the Johns River entering Grays Harbor.

Ecology Department spokeswoman Kim Schmanke said the vessel had the potential to carry 350 gallons of diesel and hydraulic oil, but it wasn't immediately determined precisely how much marine fuel was on board. Schmanke said the dredge overturned and was on its side.

Ecology's Doug Stolz said environmental damage appeared minimal. Cause of the sinking was not immediately known. The dredge is owned by Coast Seafoods Co.