New video exposes the troubling conditions aboard Spiridon II, a livestock carrier stranded off Turkey with thousands of cattle for weeks.
Fresh video has revealed conditions aboard the livestock carrier Spiridon II, which spent weeks stranded off Turkey with thousands of cattle, reports Singapore's Splash 247.
The 1973-built vessel carried nearly 3,000 animals from Uruguay late last year on a four-week voyage. Several cattle died en route, while about 140 calves were born at sea, raising concerns over the state of animals shipped for export.
Turkish authorities denied entry on arrival, citing discrepancies in import paperwork, including about 500 animals missing from official lists. The ship remained offshore for weeks with its cargo still onboard.
Footage taken after arrival showed weakened cattle, poor hygiene, and newborn calves in cramped pens. Welfare groups warned that conditions likely worsened during the extended delay.
After more than two months at sea, the surviving animals were discharged in Benghazi, Libya, ending a case that drew global attention to the risks of long-haul live transport.
Importers in Turkey have filed legal action against an Austrian trader accused of loading cattle despite known risks of entry refusal. The trader has denied wrongdoing as investigations continue.
The Spiridon II incident has become central to the debate over live animal exports, with critics highlighting systemic flaws in welfare standards, voyage planning, and regulatory oversight.
