California oil spill now believed to be much smaller than originally feared

The amount of crude oil spilled in an offshore pipeline leak in Southern California is believed to be close to 25,000 gallons, or only about one-fifth of what officials initially feared, a Coast Guard official said Thursday.

The leak off the coast of Orange County was previously estimated to be at least 25,000 gallons and no more than 132,000 gallons. The final count for the spill will likely be closer to the lower figure, which correlates with the amount of oiling seen on the California shore, Coast Guard Captain Rebecca Ore said.

"We have a high degree of confidence that the spill amount is approximately 588 barrels," she told reporters in Newport Beach. "That number may potentially adjust a small degree."