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WATCH: A sinking boat in Richmond created a minor environmental emergency today

VANCOUVER – Clean-up has now begun on the Fraser River after diesel oil leaked from a sunken boat Tuesday morning.

A fishing boat, about 100 feet, capsized at the Shelter Island Marina and Boatyard, near No. 9 Road and Graybar Road in Richmond. One of the seams split on the wooden-hulled ship.

The fuel spill extended all the way to the Massey Tunnel. Absorbent pads and booms were deployed to contain the diesel oil that is not recoverable.

WATCH: Aerial views of the fuel spill Tuesday morning

The Port Metro Vancouver harbour patrol and the Canadian Coast Guard hovercraft responded to the incident and an environmental assessment will be conducted by the Coast Guard.

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There are no injuries, however, as the owner and his girlfriend managed to scramble to safety.

“We’re lucky to get off,” said passenger Gloria Evans. “[The water] was up to my knees when I got off the boat.”

The boat, called the Western Crusader, had been moored in Campbell River for several years and was towed to the Shelter Island Marina last week.

The sunken boat in the Fraser River. Roger Hope / Global News Sunken boat in the Fraser River. Global News

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