(PARIS) - The European Union is to send a mission of experts to investigate toxic chemicals on board a Philippine ferry which sank carrying more than 850 people, French officials said Friday.

Interior Minister Michele Alliot-Marie decided after discussions with the foreign and European affairs ministries that an EU "mission of expertise and support" should be sent immediately, a statement said. France currently holds the presidency of the European Union.

The Princess of the Stars remains stricken off the central Philippines after sinking in a typhoon on June 21. The upturned wreckage is thought to contain hundreds of dead bodies along with an illegal consignment of toxic pesticides.

While tests showed waters have not been contaminated with the endosulfan pesticide, there was concern containers could corrode allowing the chemical to leach and contaminate the area.

Officials in the Philippines said this week that the ferry would be refloated, ditching a bid to use divers to retrieve the bodies and chemicals.

"The potential danger to marine life is a major factor in the decision" to refloat the vessel, a coast guard biologist, who asked not to be named, told AFP.

The EU mission would include experts on sea pollution and chemical risks, the French statement said.

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