FAIRHAVEN - Local authorities spent much of Monday morning cleaning a fuel spill in the Fairhaven Harbor.

The Fairhaven Fire Department was alerted to a possible fuel spill just after 7 a.m. Monday at WJA Fisheries on 4 Water Street.

The Fairhaven Fire Department and the Fairhaven Harbormaster responded to the scene, finding the 87-foot fishing vessel "Princess Scarlett" listing to the starboard side. Officials also noticed the water surrounding the vessel was saturated with diesel fuel. The U.S. Coast Guard was notified along with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

Wayne Oliveira, Fairhaven Fire Department's Public Information Officer, says the spill was located southerly from the Steamship Authority Dock, northerly up to the Fairhaven Shipyard. The spill was contained to the area with spill control booms and absorbent pad.

Boats from the New Bedford Fire Department, New Bedford Harbor Development Commission, and the Fairhaven Harbor Master assisted in the response.

Officials estimate 1,500 gallons of fuel had spilled into the water.

The cause of the spill remains under investigation by the Fairhaven Police Department, along with the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection secured the services of Frank Corp to clean up the spill.

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