|
A joint European Union-United Nations expert team was deployed on 10 July 2008 to the Philippines at the request of national authorities to assess the situation of a capsized ferry containing large quantities of highly toxic chemicals.
The 'Princess of the Stars' ferry boat capsized on Saturday 21 June about three kilometers from the shore of Sibuyan Island in the central Philippines, as Typhoon Fengshen was moving through the area. Over 700 of the more than 800 passengers aboard perished in the disaster. The ferry was bound for Cebu Island, central Visayas, and the cargo included large quantities of highly toxic pesticides.
The assessment team comprised a marine chemist, an eco-toxicologist and a civil protection expert. They helped to provide a clear overview of the situation, determine priority needs, and identify any gaps in international aid being offered and/or provided. The mission was a joint initiative of the European Commission's Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC) and the Joint UNEP / OCHA Environment Unit. |
