Fil-Surigao-Delnorte Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On August 24, 2025, at approximately 9:57 PM, the 'Filipinas Surigao del Norte' experienced an incident while navigating from Masbate to Cebu City. The ferry, carrying 221 passengers and 55 crew members, grounded off the coast of Dimasalang, Masbate, as it attempted to maneuver around nearby fishing vessels and struck a shallow area. A distress call was promptly issued, prompting the Philippine Coast Guard-Central Visayas to recommend a return to Masbate for safety reasons. However, the ferry's captain opted to continue towards Cebu, as the vessel was already halfway to its destination at the time of the grounding. During the remaining journey, the ferry was escorted by the PCG vessel BRP 'Sindagan'. Ultimately, the 'Filipinas Surigao del Norte' arrived at Pier 1 in Cebu City at 9:30 AM on August 25, 2025, approximately 30 minutes later than scheduled. Thankfully, all onboard were reported safe, and no injuries occurred during the incident.

A significant incident occurred on October 7, 2023, at approximately 1 p.m., involving the 'Filipinas Suriago del Norte' during loading operations at a Cebu port. Five crew members were hospitalized following a chlorine tank leak triggered by the tank falling and colliding with another container. The mishap unfolded as the crew was preparing for a journey to Samar. As the chlorine tank destined for Calbayog, Samar, was being handled by a forklift, it unexpectedly fell, resulting in a chemical spill. The incident exposed over 20 crew members, including Captain Ervin Lumbah, to sulfuric acid fumes. Many reported symptoms including nausea and some experienced vomiting due to inhalation of the irritant. A prompt medical response from a specialized team at the Cebu Port Authority managed to treat more than ten crew members on-site, while the five most affected were transported to a nearby medical facility for further evaluation and care. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Special Rescue Force, in coordination with personnel from BFP-Cebu City Fire Station and Emergency Medical Services, swiftly intervened to manage the situation. For more details, visit [SunStar Philippines](https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1975055/cebu/local-news/5-roro-ship-crew-members-rescued-after-chemical-leak).