Cargo ship leaking oil off northern Bahamas

NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Government officials say a cargo ship is slowly leaking oil off the northernmost island of the Bahamas.

Transport Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin said Monday that the ship's hull was somehow breached off Grand Bahama island and it is unclear how much oil has spilled into the ocean so far.

But after observing the container ship from a helicopter, she is describing it as a "tier one spill," the smallest kind.

Crews are working to contain the leakage from the vessel, which was carrying some 3,000 gallons of oil. The Bahamas has not called on the U.S. Coast Guard for assistance.

Environment Minister Kenrid Dorsett says it does not appear to be "as bad as originally feared."

Dorsett says the Bahamas will issue an update within the next 72 hours.