The 116-meter livestock carrier Blue Ocean A was towed to safety after suffering engine failure in adverse conditions on January 28.The Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged vessel was sailing off the island of
The 116-meter livestock carrier Blue Ocean A was towed to safety after suffering engine failure in adverse conditions on January 28.
The Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged vessel was sailing off the island of Saint Peter, Italy, on its way to Spain with 33 crew on board when a request for help was sent. Winds of over 50 knots and waves as high as five meters pushed the ship towards shore making operations particularly complex, said the Italian Coast Guard.
The rescue was coordinated by the Italian Coast Guard of Cagliari, which deployed aircraft from the port captains and a helicopter from the Military Air Force. The ship was eventually secured with the help of local tugboats although tow lines snapped four times.
No livestock were reported onboard.
“In December a group of 36 animal welfare organizations from all over the globe wrote an Open Letter to the IMO pleading for the development of an international code for the carriage of livestock,” said former live export veterinarian, Dr Lynn Simpson, from Australia. “The letter clearly stated the high risks including in the event of mechanical failure as we have seen overnight with the MV Blue Ocean A.
Content Original Link:
" target="_blank">
