Ferry Owner sues Del Monte over toxic chemical

This will be an interesting case. I presume that if the material was toxic it should not have been shipped on a passenger ferry. News reports do not make it clear if the material has now leaked out into the ocean although fishing is prohibited near the ferry sinking site so either it has or it is just a precaution. This is from the Inquirer.

Sulpicio files civil case vs Del Monte over toxic chemical
By Tetch TorresINQUIRER.netFirst Posted 16:23:00 07/08/2008
MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) Sulpicio Lines Inc. has filed a civil case against Del Monte Philippines for its failure to declare as toxic the chemical endosulfan that was loaded into the ill-fated MV Princess of the Stars.
The inter-island ferry vessel sank off Sibuyan Island last June 21 during the onslaught of typhoon “Frank” (international codename: Fengshen) with over 800 passengers and crew on board.
In its eight-page complaint filed before the Manila City regional trial court, Sulpicio said Del Monte violated the breach of term and condition when it failed to inform the shipping company that they were carrying a toxic substance.
Sulpicio insisted that it was the duty of Del Monte to inform them of the cargo that they would be carrying.
The shipping firm is also asking for P5.5 million in damages over the alleged negligence of the food conglomerate to inform them about the toxic chemical