CORRECTED - CORRECTED-UPDATE 1-Large cleanup after San Francisco oil spill

(Corrects Cosco Busan's ownership in paragraph 10 to Greek firm Synergy Maritime from China COSCO Holdings)

By Adam Tanner

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov 8 (Reuters) - A growing number of San Francisco area beaches closed on Thursday as officials tried to clean up 58,000 gallons (220,000 liters) of fuel that leaked into the San Francisco Bay from a damaged container ship.

"The oil spill in San Francisco Bay is a cause for grave concern by all who value the resources of our marvelous bay and Pacific coastline," Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives who represents San Francisco, said in a statement.

The Cosco Busan struck a tower of the Bay Bridge on Wednesday morning amid dense fog, creating a long slash along the ship that allowed bunker fuel to spill.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom criticized the Coast Guard for initially saying on Wednesday that just 140 gallons had spilled. He said the city would hold those responsible accountable, and threatened legal action if necessary.

Bud Leland, deputy director of California's Office of Spill Prevention and Response, told Reuters the spill was the worst in the San Francisco Bay since his office came into existence in 1991. He said it would likely take several weeks to complete the cleanup.

Tides carried the bunker fuel into the Pacific Ocean beyond the Golden Gate Bridge and people near the spill on Wednesday reported headaches and nausea. The spill reached the famed former prison island of Alcatraz and as far north as Marin County.

HUNDREDS AT WORK CLEANING