Image: GDACS Legend: areas affected by winds of 39mph (green), 58mph (orange) and 74mph (red); shaded area is uncertainty cone of forecasted cyclone path. image:41131:2::0

Rescue efforts to save 800 people who were reported missing in the ferry disaster came to a halt as the authorities confirmed the leak of a toxic chemical from the sunken ferry. Divers who have been trying to recover bodies from the ferry could face serious health problems.

Philippines Vice President Noli de Castro said:

This is in pure form and in powder form, so it is very dangerous, if it gets wet even a little.

Exposure to endosulfan can cause mental and genetic disorders, skin diseases and nervous disorders, and even death.

Sulpicio Lines, the vessel's owner, will have to face legal consequences for carrying the super-toxic pesticide on board. Endosulfan has been banned in Philippines since 1994.

Meanwhile, Greenpeace demanded that the multinational Del Monte should be prosecuted for using banned chemicals. The cargo carrying endosulfan was destined for Del Monte's pineapple farms. Beau Baconguis, Greenpeace Campaign Manager said.

This pesticide has also been found to be highly toxic to birds, fish and other aquatic organisms. This is the reason why the Philippines has severe restrictions on the use of Endosulfan especially near or around bodies of water. The M/V Princess of the Stars disaster has now exposed that a multinational corporation like Del Monte is using tons of banned pesticides on their pineapples meant for export. That it took a tragic disaster to expose another ongoing disaster is infuriating.