3 crew hurt as passenger vessel catches fire off Surigao

Three crew members were injured after a passenger vessel caught fire while traversing the waters off the Surigao Strait past noon on 1 February 2026, authorities said.

The Philippine Coast Guard said the MV Maria Felisa was en route from Port of Benit in San Ricardo, Southern Leyte, to Lipata Port in Surigao City when a fire broke out inside its engine compartment.

Injured were oiler Arnel Dela Cruz and apprentices Christian Lei Macapagal and Dan David Mosa. The fire was caused by machinery overheating, the Coast Guard said.

Dela Cruz and Macapagal sustained first-degree burns and were brought to Caraga Regional Hospital for treatment. Mosa suffered smoke inhalation but declined hospital transport after receiving first aid from the Surigao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

None of the vessel’s 92 passengers was injured. All were able to disembark safely at Lipata Port at around 3:58 p.m.

The Coast Guard said the vessel departed Port of Benit at 12:20 p.m. At around 1:40 p.m., the Coast Guard Substation in Lipata received a report that the ship had encountered a fire at sea while bound for Surigao City.

Although the fire was immediately controlled by the crew, the vessel’s engine shut down, leaving it dead in the water less than one nautical mile off Bilaa Point, Barangay Punta Bilar, Surigao City.

A review of closed-circuit television footage showed that the fire originated from elevated temperature in the lube oil filter, which led to machinery overheating.

Upon receiving the report, the Lipata substation immediately deployed a response team and boarded the MV Maria Vanessa to assist the distressed vessel. The MV Binibining Liloan, a sister ship of the MV Maria Felisa, also proceeded to the area to provide additional support.

The Coast Guard deployed its floating assets, including Fast Patrol Boat 151 and High-Speed Response Boat 026, to conduct search and rescue operations and provide maritime assistance.

The MV Maria Vanessa later towed the disabled vessel to Lipata Port, with Coast Guard vessels escorting the operation to ensure the safety of both ships.