Thousands of pregnant cows remain trapped on board a cargo ship that has been adrift for nearly two months, after being denied entry to the port of Bandirma in Türkiye. Photographs and reports from local residents describe a scene of strong odor and swarms of flies around Spyridon 2, where animals continue to die and give birth amidst feces and dirt accumulation.
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The Togolese-flagged cargo ship carries about 2,900 head of cattle, distributed in stifling holds. According to The Sun, witnesses reported the presence of large bags on deck, allegedly containing cow carcasses, leaking bodily fluids and showing limbs. The ship departed Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, on September 20, and is expected to disembark in Türkiye on October 22.
Bureaucratic problems and stagnation in the port
Upon arriving at their destination, the crew did not obtain a permit to unload the livestock due to inconsistencies in ear tags and part records of the animals. Due to the veto, the ship was forced to remain anchored at sea for nearly a month, raising concerns about health conditions on board. According to the Animal Welfare Foundation, based in Germany, at least 58 cows have died since the start of the journey.
The organization stated that most of the cows were pregnant calves, and that about 140 calves were born during the crossing. At least 50 calves have been identified, and their survival has not been confirmed, while the whereabouts of another 90 calves are still unknown. The authority also warned of the rapid decline in food and water stocks, noting that animals may not receive any adequate care.
Under international pressure, Turkish authorities allowed temporary docking to refuel, but ordered Spyridon 2 to return to Uruguay shortly afterwards. The return trip is supposed to last about 32 days, which will push the situation to mid-December. Meanwhile, conditions remain critical. Veterinarian Maria Boada Saña, from the Animal Welfare Foundation, told The Sun: “After the long journey from Uruguay to Turkey, the animals were already weak. Every new delay means enormous suffering.”
Experts consulted by the organization confirm the seriousness of the situation. Australian veterinarian Lynn Simpson, an authority on sea transport of live animals, assessed that reserves of water, feed and bedding “may be scarce or non-existent”, especially after a much longer-than-expected voyage. “I suspect the water supply will be low or of questionable quality if the ship remains anchored,” he said.
Boada Sanya added that the case “exemplifies the system of exporting live animals on the high seas” and warned of the possibility of new tragedies as long as this type of transport remains permitted. Built in 1973 and converted to transport livestock in 2011, Spyridon 2 has an area of about 4,000 square meters dedicated to animals – an area that proved insufficient given the long period of confinement.
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