An export vessel transporting live sheep has been banned from operating until further investigation.
What happened?
The live export vessel was reportedly involved in a disastrous voyage to the Middle East and has been banned temporarily from operating until further notice.
During the course of the investigation, the authorities discovered serious shortcomings onboard the vessel ‘Al Messilah’ after hundreds of sheep died due to heat exhaustion during a trip from Fremantle to the Persian Gulf.
Rotting carcasses found:
The documents obtained under freedom of information gave information on how the crew members struggled to dispose rotting carcases during the 2016 shipment as they disintegrated in the intense heat of the Middle Eastern summer.
Darren Chester, Transport Minister said, “The Australian Maritime Safety Authority would review Marine Order 43, which governs the age of export ships as well as welfare conditions for animals being carried”.
Serious shortcomings:
On October 20, an inspection carried out on ‘Al Messilah’ by AMSA said an inspection at Fremantle found “a number of issues” and it withdrew the vessel’s certification to carry livestock until repairs were done.
An AMSA spokesman said, “Inspectors found holes corroded in the decks and bulkheads as well as wastage of the supporting structure. Multiple issues were found with electrical cabling. There was an unserviceable generator and poor quality repairs had been made through the livestock decks. The vessel was berthed in Fremantle to carry 75,000 animals to the Middle East. AMSA does not allow non-compliant ships to carry livestock from Australia”.
Did you subscribe for our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: The West
