Sulpicio Lines is suing Del Monte Philippines for non-disclosure of toxic cargo on the capsized ferry MV Princess of the Stars.
The ship sank on 21 June carrying 10 tonnes of endosulfan, a toxic pesticide banned in many countries. Sulpicio has accused Del Monte of not declaring the noxious nature of the cargo to the shipping line.
The civil suit has asked for US$120,000 for damage to reputation, clean-up costs, correct shipping and legal fees.
The sinking of the mixed passenger/cargo ship claimed the lives of 173 people. Search and retrieval operations had to be called off when the toxic nature of the cargo was discovered.
Sulpicio is also taking legal action against Philippine weather services, accusing them of neglect of duty in making an accurate forecast, which led to the disaster.
Del Monte is considering a counter-suit, according to Radio dzBB.
