Australian Livestock Stranded at Sea Amid Red Sea Conflict

Rising temperatures and strict biosecurity regulations exacerbate welfare concerns as authorities consider offloading and re-exporting options.

Over 15,000 Australian sheep and cattle are stranded on the MV Bahijah, anchored off Western Australia, due to rising tensions in the Red Sea.
The livestock were originally headed to the Middle East, but the ship was ordered to turn back over fears of Houthi rebel attacks.
Upon return, the livestock have not been allowed to disembark due to Australia's strict biosecurity regulations, causing concerns for their welfare amid a looming heat wave.
The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is considering a request from the exporter to offload some of the animals and re-export the remainder.
Animal rights advocates, including the RSPCA, are calling for the urgent offloading of all animals, citing worsening conditions and the potential for disease.