NEW BEDFORD - A fishing vessel has sunk in New Bedford Harbor.

New Bedford Fire Chief Michael Gomes tells WBSM News the report of the vessel taking on water came in at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday.

When Fire Department crews arrived, the 62-foot F/V Challenge had sunk, bow to stern. The vessel had been docked near the EPA Dewatering Facility, less than half a mile north of the New Bedford/Fairhaven Bridge.

Firefighters deployed over 600 feet of boom to contain diesel fuel and lubricating oil that was leaking from the vessel. Absorbent pads were placed on the surface to soak up the slick.

F/V Challenge has the capability to carry 7,000 gallons of fuel. It's not known how much spilled into the harbor. The spill spread 1.5 miles into Fairhaven.

Chief Gomes says a contracted clean-up company is managing the scene, and a salvage crew has been called in to raise the vessel.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the sinking is under investigation.

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