10 metric tons of pesticide found inside sunken ferry (10:35 a.m.)
CEBU CITY — The retrieval operations being conducted on the sunken mv Princess of the Stars is temporarily stopped as about 10 metric tons of pesticide were found inside the ferry.
Vice President Noli de Castro, one of the officials who handle the retrieval operations, said the vessel was carrying tons of pesticide — endosulfan, which is harmful to both marine and human life.
The pesticide is owned by Del Monte Philippines, one of the largest pineapple growers in the country.
De Castro said they will sanction Sulpicio Lines Inc., owner of the mv Princess of the Stars, for not telling the authorities that the ship carried the substance.
Other experts meantime said there was no indication of leakage yet from the shipment. However, the divers who entered the ship will be examined for possible exposure to the dangerous substance.
The retrieval operation is temporarily stopped for the divers’ own safety, said experts. (Sunnex)
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