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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider RoRo with 125 individuals onboard catches fire off Surigao Strait; 3 crew hurt

RoRo with 125 individuals onboard catches fire off Surigao Strait; 3 crew hurt

Published Feb 3, 2026 05:38 pm
(Photo: PCG)
(Photo: PCG)
A roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel carrying 125 individuals caught fire while traversing the waters off Surigao Strait which injured three crew members, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
The PCG said MV Maria Felisa encountered a fire inside its engine compartment while en route from Port of Benit in San Ricardo, Southern Leyte to Lipata Port in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1.
There were a total of 92 passengers and 33 crew members, the PCG noted.
According to the vessel’s master, MV Maria Felisa departed Port of Benit at around 12:20 p.m.
The crew detected the fire in the engine room at approximately 1:30 p.m. and they immediately executed firefighting procedures, preventing the fire from spreading to other parts of the vessel.
“CCTV review indicated that the fire originated from elevated temperature in the lube oil filter, which led to machinery overheating,” the PCG said.
Despite the fire being extinguished, MV Maria Felisa became dead on the water approximately 0.85 nautical miles off Bilaa Point in Brgy. Punta Bilar, Surigao City.
The PCG immediately deployed rescue assets while MV Binibining Liloan, a sister ship of MV Maria Felisa, also provided support.
Another vessel, MV Maria Vanessa, conducted ship-side towing of MV Maria Felisa toward Lipata Port while PCG personnel escorted the operation to ensure the safety of both vessels.
The vessels arrived at Lipata Port at around 3:58 p.m. on the same day and all 92 passengers disembarked safely, the PCG said.
Three of the 33 crew members sustained minor injuries including a 25-year-old oiler from Arayat, Pampanga and a 22-year-old apprentice from San Simon, Pampanga who both suffered first-degree burns and transported to Caraga Regional Hospital.
Meanwhile, a 22-year-old apprentice from Bustos, Bulacan suffered smoke inhalation but he declined hospital transport and received first aid from the Surigao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) personnel.
The PCG has coordinated with the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) for appropriate investigation and disposition.

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PCG MV Maria Felisa fire
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