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Officials mull class suit against shipowner

Local government officials in central Philippines said they will file a class suit against the owner of an ill-fated ship which sank during a typhoon last week, killing more than 800 passengers and allegedly dumping pollutants into the sea to the disadvantage of thousands of fishermen.

  • By Barbara Mae Dacanay, Bureau Chief
  • Published: 00:07 July 4, 2008
  • Gulf News

Manila: Local government officials in central Philippines said they will file a class suit against the owner of an ill-fated ship which sank during a typhoon last week, killing more than 800 passengers and allegedly dumping pollutants into the sea to the disadvantage of thousands of fishermen.

"We are mulling the filing of a class suit against Sulpicio Lines because of the disastrous aftermath of the tragedy, including the pollution of our seas," said Congressman Eleandro Jesus Madrona of Romblon Province.

"We will seek damages from the shipping operator," said Madrona, adding that Sulpicio has failed to fully disclose the dangerous and toxic chemicals that were carried by MV Princess of the Star which sank off Sibuyan Island near Romblon last June 21.

Delays in the recovery of toxic substance that were trapped inside the upturned ship, could totally destroy marine life off Sibuyan Island, said Madrona.

Earlier, Sulpicio admitted that it was carrying 10,000 kilogrammes of endosulfan, a highly toxic pesticide for Del Monte Philippines, a food company.

Reports said that the ill-fated ship also carried 600 kilogrammes of toxic chemicals for Bayer Philippines.

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