In yet another maritime incident in Mindanao, the Philippine Coast Guard has reported that a vessel caught fire while navigating the waters off Surigao City on February 1, 2026.
At least 92 passengers were rescued while three crew members were injured in the incident. Two of the crew members sustained first-degree burns while the other suffered from smoke inhalation.
Personnel of the Coast Guard Sub-Station Lipata received information that a fire broke out inside the vessel’s engine compartment while the boat was heading toward the Lipata Port.
The fire was contained by the crew members, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the vessel.
However, the vessel became dead in the water approximately 0.85 nautical off Bilaa Point in Barangay Punta Bilar, Surigao City.
Authorities deployed a team to rescue the passengers and crew members. The vessel’s sister ship also proceeded to the area to provide assistance.
Based on CCTV footage, the fire was determined to have originated from an elevated temperature in the lube oil filter, which caused the machinery to overheat.
“Coast Guard Station Surigao del Norte has already coordinated with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Regional Office XIII to formally apprise the agency of the incident for appropriate disposition,” Coast Guard Station Surigao del Norte said.
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