The livestock carrier Spiridon II has unloaded cattle in the Libyan city of Benghazi after being stranded off the Turkish coast for more than a month after a month-long voyage from Uruguay
The livestock carrier Spiridon II has unloaded cattle in the Libyan city of Benghazi after being stranded off the Turkish coast for more than a month after a month-long voyage from Uruguay with nearly 3,000 cattle on board.
The Spiridon II is now back at sea.
It is unclear what happened to the dead animals and sewage onboard. Dozens of animals had already died, and many calves had been born, lost, or perished. The dead animals and excrement cannot legally be disposed of in the Mediterranean Sea due to MARPOL regulations. Without the possibility of unloading, cleaning, or proper carcass disposal, extreme conditions are presumed to have prevailed on board for weeks, says Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF).
However, AWF reports that the vessel has turned its AIS several times, and the white sacks that were stacked on deck, presumably containing carcasses, appear to be gone by November 23.
Former live export veterinarian Dr Lynn Simpson has served on over 50 voyages out of Australia: "I believe the AIS is probably off so her erratic looking movements as she finally washes her decks thoroughly, go unmonitored. Washing should take 3-5 days, at which time I
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