Image /Animal Welfare Foundation
A 52-year-old livestock carrier, the “Spiridon II”, has been detained in Turkish waters since October 22nd. Turkish authorities refused to approve the vessel’s port entry and unloading of its cargo due to irregularities in the ear tag documentation. The shipowner stated that at least 48 cattle have already died on board, and the supply of feed and fresh water is critically low.
Currently, the vessel remains anchored off the port of Bandırma, Turkey. The Animal Welfare Foundation, together with the organizations Animal Advocacy and Food Transition, Animals International, and Australian veterinarian Dr. Lynn Simpson, have jointly called on the Turkish authorities to immediately permit the unloading of the surviving animals.
Last night, the ship was temporarily allowed to enter the port to replenish some feed but was then immediately ordered to return to the anchorage.
Dr. Simpson further stated that the disaster with the “Spiridon II” is clear evidence of what she describes as “a shipping sector with serious deficiencies, urgently requiring special attention and stricter international regulation.
