Fuel leak spills gallons into Hyannis harbor. Coast Guard investigates.

HYANNIS — U.S. Coast Guard marine science technicians are investigating a 20-to-30 gallon fuel leak that occurred Friday in Hyannis Inner Harbor, and working to recover as much fuel as possible from the water.

The Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority were taking steps to remediate the spill, according to a Coast Guard statement Friday afternoon. A call to the Steamship Authority was not immediately returned Friday.

The oil spill was discovered early Friday morning. The leak occurred during a fuel transfer, according to the Coast Guard.

A leak from the fuel transfer box caused the fuel to spill into the water before the transfer was stopped, the Coast Guard said.

The Coast Guard used their equipment to contain and absorb the fuel and prevent more water pollution, with help from Hyannis Fire Department, according to the statement.

By 10:30 a.m. booms to contain the spill stretched from Baxter’s Boathouse to the fishing pier and toward the Steamship Authority docks. Three crewmembers in a Hyannis Fire Department skiff motored on the outside of the boom, dropping pads to soak up oil, according to Times reporting.

The spill also brought crews from the Barnstable Harbormaster office in Hyannis and Yarmouth Fire Department , state Department of Environmental Protection officials and Steamship Authority officials . Moran Environmental was also at the scene, according to the Coast Guard.

Swift reporting of the spill allowed the Coast Guard and local responders to quickly arrive on scene, contain the fuel, and prevent further damage to the environment, the agency said in the statement. Mariners are reminded to report spills or discharges of fuel or other chemicals to the National Response Center at 800-424-8802.

Denise Coffey writes about business, tourism and issues impacting the Cape’s residents and visitors. Contact her at dcoffey@capecodonline.com .

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Fuel leak spills gallons into Hyannis harbor. Coast Guard investigates.