Crews start removing fuel from overturned ship in Georgia

BRUNSWICK, Ga. - Officials have begun removing fuel from the tanks of an overturned cargo ship on the Georgia coast, where leaking oil has reached some marshes and beaches.

The South Korean ship Golden Ray capsized in the St. Simons Sound on Sept. 8 after leaving the Port of Brunswick.

Chris Graff of Gallagher Marine Services is heading cleanup and salvage efforts. He told reporters Friday that 15,000 gallons of fuel have been removed from two tanks in the engine room.

Much more remains. Graff said the ship has 24 total fuel tanks onboard. The total amount of fuel has been estimated at 300,000 gallons.

Meanwhile, crews equipped with about 70 boats and oil-absorbent boom are responding to oily debris and sheen along the shoreline and marshes.