Sulpicio OKs retrieval of bodies from ‘Princess’

After several days' delay, the owner of the capsized MV Princess of the Stars finally cleared the way for the retrieval of bodies of passengers still trapped inside the vessel.

Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported Wednesday that Sulpicio Lines Inc finally submitted to the Philippine Coast Guard a full report and certification that earlier stages of retrieval are finished.

Coast Guard commandant Vice Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo said the report includes a formal certification that the retrieval of endosulfan and toxic chemicals had been completed.

Tamayo earlier got irked over Sulpicio's failure to submit its full report on time. The report and certification are needed to pave the way for the retrieval of bodies of passengers still trapped in the capsized ship.

MV Princess of the Stars capsized off Romblon June 21, at the height of Typhoon Frank.

In the interview, Tamayo said the Coast Guard will now determine the stability of the capsized ship after the endosulfan and toxic chemicals had been removed.

He said they need to determine the ship's stability so as not to endanger the lives of divers once they start to retrieve the bodies.