Fire hits roro vessel; 3 hurt

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February 4, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Two crewmembers have been injured while another suffered difficulty in breathing when a fire broke out on a roll-on roll-off vessel in the waters off Surigao del Norte, the Philippine Coast Guard said yesterday.

The PCG said two of the crewmembers sustained burns and were rushed to the Caraga Regional Hospital for treatment.

The crewmember who suffered difficulty in breathing due to smoke inhalation refused to be taken to the hospital and was treated at the port.

Reports said that on Sunday, the M/V Maria Felisa was headed to the port of Lipata in Surigao City when a fire broke out in the engine room at around 1:30 p.m.

The vessel’s captain told the PCG that the crewmembers managed to prevent the flames from spreading to other parts of the vessel.

The PCG received a report at around 1:40 p.m., stating that a fire broke out as the vessel was sailing through Surigao Strait.

The report said the fire affected the engine and caused the vessel to drift toward the coast of Barangay Punta Bilar.

The PCG deployed its floating assets to rescue 92 passengers and crewmembers.

A sister ship of the Maria Felisa, the M/V Binibining Liloan, responded and assisted the passengers.

The Maria Felisa was towed toward the port of Lipata, where the crewmembers and passengers were given assistance.

The PCG has coordinated with the Maritime Industry Authority to investigate the incident.