Surigao City — A potentially disastrous maritime incident was averted after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) swiftly responded to a fire that broke out aboard MV Maria Felisa while it was traversing the waters of Surigao Strait en route to Lipata Port on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
According to the Coast Guard Station Surigao del Norte, under the leadership of Station Commander Ensign Roy Christopher R. Orillaneda, PCG, a distress report was received at around 1:40 p.m. from Coast Guard Sub-Station Lipata regarding a fire inside the engine compartment of MV Maria Felisa. The passenger vessel, which had departed Port of Benit at around 12:20 p.m., was carrying 92 passengers and 33 crew members at the time of the incident.
Initial reports revealed that the vessel’s crew immediately detected the fire at approximately 1:30 p.m. and promptly implemented established onboard firefighting procedures. Their swift action successfully contained the blaze and prevented it from spreading to other sections of the ship. However, despite controlling the fire, the vessel lost propulsion and was left dead on the water about 0.85 nautical miles from Bilaa Point, Barangay Punta Bilar, Surigao City.
In response, the Coast Guard Sub-Station Lipata Deployable Response Group took immediate action and boarded MV Maria Vanessa, which was already preparing to assist the distressed vessel. Shortly after, MV Binibining Liloan, a sister ship of MV Maria Felisa, also proceeded to the area to provide additional support.
The PCG simultaneously deployed its floating assets, including Fast Patrol Boat 151 and High-Speed Response Boat 026, to conduct search and rescue operations and ensure maritime safety in the area. Upon arrival, MV Maria Vanessa conducted a ship-side towing operation toward Lipata Port, with PCG vessels escorting the convoy to guarantee the safety and security of both ships.
By around 3:58 p.m., all vessels safely arrived at Lipata Port. All 92 passengers disembarked without injury and were immediately assessed and assisted by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) of Surigao City, in coordination with the Philippine National Police Maritime Group and the Bureau of Fire Protection–San Juan.
While no passenger casualties were reported, three crew members sustained injuries as a result of the incident. Identified as Arnel Dela Cruz, 25, an oiler from Arayat, Pampanga, and Christian Lei Macapagal, 22, an apprentice from San Simon, Pampanga, both suffered first-degree burns and were transported to the Caraga Regional Hospital for treatment. Another apprentice, Dan David Mosa, 22, from Bustos, Bulacan, experienced smoke inhalation but declined hospital transport after receiving first aid from the CDRRMO.
An initial investigation conducted by the vessel’s master, Captain Ric Marasigan, indicated that the fire originated from elevated temperatures in the lube oil filter, which caused overheating in the engine room. A review of the vessel’s closed-circuit television footage corroborated this finding.
The Coast Guard Station Surigao del Norte has since coordinated with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Regional Office XIII to formally report the incident and ensure appropriate action and disposition.
The PCG lauded the coordinated efforts of all responding units and the vessel’s crew, emphasizing that their quick and decisive actions were crucial in preventing loss of life and further damage. The incident once again highlights the importance of maritime safety preparedness and inter-agency coordination in safeguarding lives at sea.