Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Spiridon II, Barred From Turkish Port, Now Appears to Be Sailing Back to Uruguay

Authorities refused unloading over missing documents and animal identifications, leaving thousands of cattle in deteriorating conditions.

Overview

  • Ship-tracking service MarineTraffic shows the vessel steering toward Montevideo, though officials have not confirmed the course.
  • About 2,900 to 3,000 cattle from Uruguay remain aboard after the ship waited off Bandirma since arriving on October 22.
  • Turkey’s Communications Directorate says unloading was refused because required paperwork was missing and some animals lacked or mismatched identification.
  • The Animal Welfare Foundation reports at least 48 deaths, while court documents cited by opposition politician Turhan Cömez note roughly 140 births with many calves unaccounted for.
  • The ship was briefly allowed to dock to take on supplies such as hay before being sent back out, and NGOs describe severe sanitary and health risks from excrement buildup, high ammonia, and the absence of milking equipment and trained staff.