Overview
- The vessel departed the Bandirma area after being held offshore since October 22, with its destination listed as Montevideo according to the latest reports.
- Turkish authorities blocked unloading over missing chips or ear tags and records that did not match for 469 animals, following import applications from 15 companies a day before arrival.
- Animal-welfare groups say at least 48 of roughly 2,900 cattle have died, with court documents cited by opposition politician Turhan Cömez noting 140 onboard births and 90 missing calves.
- The ship was briefly allowed to dock earlier in the week to take on supplies such as hay, but no animals were permitted to disembark.
- Advocates warn of deteriorating conditions with limited feed, water and ventilation, and the return voyage across the Atlantic is expected to take several weeks.