500 litres of fuel spilled into Hudson Bay near Rankin Inlet

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans estimates 500 litres of gasoline spilled into Hudson Bay after a small boat collided with a resupply hose, rupturing the line Wednesday night near Rankin Inlet, Nunavut.

The gasoline was being unloaded from the fuel shipM/VStenFjardto the community's fuel tankswhen a small craft ran into the hose around7 p.m., according to Rankin Inlet'smayor.

RobertJanes told CBC News earlier Thursdayhe was informedup to 2,000 litres had spilled into northeasternHudson Bay.

However, aspokesperson with Fisheries and Oceans Canada estimated 500 litres escaped from the hose.

"The Canadian Coast Guard, Transport Canada and Environment Canada are working together to further assess any impact this spill may have in the area," according to a statement by CarolLaundervillewith DFO.

"Theshoreline is being monitored for gasoline and if pooling is observed it will be dispersed with water."

The mayor of RankinInletsaid the fuel drifted into a nearby covewhere it was contained with absorbent booms, used to clean up fuel spills.

The cleanup continued early Thursday morning.The hose line was repaired and pressure tested and refuelling recommenced, said the mayor.

"Not much you can do,"Janessaid.

"These things happen, and when it happens you have to make thebest of it and I thought the responding agencies did a very good job on it."

Gasoline service within the city will not be available until4 p.m.