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Plan needed for Philippine ferry toxins -- experts

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BRUSSELS, Aug 1 (Reuters) - U.N. and EU experts have confirmed that five pesticides and other toxins were aboard a ferry that capsized in the Philippines in June killing hundreds of people and urged steps to prevent an environmental disaster.

In a statement on Friday, the European Commission said a comprehensive plan was needed to dispose of the chemicals in the wreck of the 'Princess of the Stars' before any salvage operation was attempted.

The experts' report said the ferry was carrying a 'substantial' amount of toxic pesticides as well as 100,000 litres of fuel for its engines when it capsized on June 21.

It said that one container aboard the wreck was found to contain the pesticide Endosulfan and another the pesticides Carbofuran, Propineb, Metamidophos and Niclosamide.

The experts recommended improved monitoring of water, sediment and air to assess the risk of pollution and to coastal populations.

So far, no leakage of chemicals or oil from the wreck had been detected, EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said in the statement.

'I hope that the suggestions made by our experts concerning sampling procedures, bio-monitoring and precautionary measures will help ensure that this dreadful tragedy does not also turn into an environmental disaster,' he said.

United Nations expert Vladimir Sakharov said the accident underscored the need for preparedness and contingency planning for such incidents.

The bodies of hundreds of people are believed still trapped in the MV Princess of the Stars ferry, which ran around and capsized off Sibuyan island during a typhoon in one of the worst maritime accidents in the Philippines.

Philippine authorities have said they plan to refloat the ferry, but have said salvage operations would not start until Aug. 4. Sea water samples taken nearby have shown no contamination so far, but a fishing ban has been put in effect.

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom; editing by Philippa Fletcher)