Diesel tanker grounds on marine sanctuary

MAASIN CITY, Philippines, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- A tanker carrying 61,000 gallons of diesel fuel grounded Monday on a shallow reef in rough seas near Maasin City, Philippines, authorities said.

The MT Shirley Ann was stranded after its engine quit and rough seas and strong winds pushed it onto a marine sanctuary, the Philippine Inquirer.net reported.

No one was injured and there were no reports of an oil spill, authorities said. Another boat was to wait for a higher tide and try to tow the Shirley Ann off the reef late Monday.

Many residents in the area depend on the reef for their livelihoods, the Inquirer said.