ABERDEEN, Wash. - The Ecology Department believes about 75 gallons of fuel may have leaked from an oyster dredge that sank at the mouth of Johns River on Grays Harbor.

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

A spokeswoman, Kim Schmanke, says some of the fuel from Tuesday's spill was recovered but the majority dispersed into the harbor. She said the vessel had the potential to carry 350 gallons of diesel and hydraulic oil. Since then the boat tanks have been emptied of any remaining fuel.

Schmanke says the dredge overturned and was on its side.

Doug Stolz of the Ecology Department says it appears environmental damage is minimal. Crews walked the beaches Tuesday and found no evidence of oil on the shore.

Investigators say it's not clear yet what caused the Coast Seafoods Company's 50-foot dredge to sink while tied up to its berth.

The dredge is owned by Coast Seafoods Co.