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Fuel Oil Spill Forces Brief Closure of Beach

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A diesel fuel spill apparently caused by last week’s sinking of a tugboat in Long Beach forced the brief closing of a small area of beach Saturday in Newport Beach, authorities said.

The fuel washed ashore between 17th and 19th streets, and the area was closed for 30 to 40 minutes Saturday morning, said Marine Safety Lt. John Bauer. By afternoon, the sun had evaporated the fuel, he said.

The fuel spill occurred Wednesday when a Navy attack submarine accidently snagged the tugboat’s towline and dragged the vessel under. One of three men aboard the tugboat is missing and presumed dead.

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