Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Armand Balilo said the maritime safety agency received reports that MV Millennium, carrying 45 passengers and 17 crew members, stopped sailing due to “diluted fuel supply” from the vessel’s main engine.

The RORO vessel, skippered by Capt. Aniano Ferolino, was supposed to sail to Liloan, Southern Leyte but was towed back to Lipata Port after the incident.

Balilo said the PCG had advised the ship captain to file a marine protest containing details of the maritime incident.

According to the PCG, a marine protest “is a declaration on oath by the master of the circumstances attending the damage or loss of his vessel, intended to show that the loss accrued by the perils of the sea.”

The document also serves as official record of a maritime incident, which is used by PCG as basis for determining whether the merchant officers and personnel of the ship should face liability or undergo investigation.

The PCG requires the submission of marine protest under the following circumstances: (1) actual physical damage to property exceeding P1,000 (2) material damage affecting seaworthiness of efficiency of a vessel (3) stranding, grounding, or sinking of the vessel or fire on board and (4) loss of life.

The maritime incident was the fifth since last month. MV Catalyn sank off Limbones Island in Cavite province on Christmas Eve, which left five dead and 22 others missing. [See: Accident prone areas at sea identified]

The sea tragedy was followed by the sinking of another RORO vessel, MV Baleno 9, off Isla Verde in Batangas last December 26, leaving at least six dead, and 44 others missing.

The third involved another RORO vessel, MV Starlite Navigator, that ran aground Wednesday night, December 30, also due to engine trouble.