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Live-Export Ship Barred by Turkey Appears to Head Back to Uruguay

Animal-welfare groups warn many cattle may not survive the return journey given squalid conditions reported on board.

Overview

  • MarineTraffic shows the Spiridon II tracking toward Montevideo after weeks anchored off Bandirma, though authorities have not confirmed its course.
  • Turkish officials denied unloading after inspections found missing chips or ear tags and discrepancies with submitted import lists.
  • NGOs estimate roughly 3,000 cattle are on board, with at least 48 to 58 reported dead and supplies deemed insufficient for a transatlantic voyage.
  • Court documents cited by opposition politician Turhan Cömez indicate about 140 calves were born during the voyage and roughly 90 are unaccounted for.
  • The vessel was briefly allowed to dock to load hay last week, which welfare groups say will not cover the weeks-long return passage.