Coast Guard says crews working to contain diesel spill after boat sinks off Long Beach

LONG BEACH — The U.S. Coast Guard on Saturday confirmed a 44-foot boat that sunk off Long Beach was a threat to an environmentally sensitive site and called in an organization to contain the pollution, authorities said.

The boat was reported taking on water at 1:40 p.m. Friday and Seal Beach lifeguards took six people off the boat while Long Beach lifeguards attempted to get the water out of the boat, the Coast Guard said.

The boat was damaged when it struck the Long Beach Harbor breakwater, Long Beach firefighters said.

The boat sank at 2:15 p.m. with marine-grade batteries and about 240 gallons of diesel fuel, the Coast Guard said.

Divers at 6:45 a.m. Saturday confirmed the boat’s position, shot underwater video and secured the fuel valve, officials said. An oil spill removal organization was on scene setting a boom to contain the fuel and preparing to clean up the spill.

Mariners in the vicinity of the breakwater were asked to be cautious and report any visible signs of pollution to the Coast Guard.