Returned live export ship berths at Fremantle for supplies – not to unload stock

Live export vessel the MV Bahijah, that has been stranded off the coast of Perth since Monday, has berthed at Fremantle to replenish its supplies, not to offload livestock. 

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s (DAFF) latest update reads: “Contrary to some public reports, no livestock are required to be offloaded for health reasons.” 

It’s understood the ship could leave port as soon as this afternoon, but its next move is still unclear while DAFF continues to assess an application to re-export the livestock provided by the exporter. 

Livestock in good health 

Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Beth Cookson, has confirmed two veterinarians engaged by DAFF inspected the livestock late yesterday and that their report indicated no signs of significant health, welfare or environmental condition concerns with the livestock on board, consistent with all reports received to date 

“There were no significant animal health or welfare issues identified,” Dr Cookson said. 

“That provides additional confidence that the livestock are in good condition and have appropriate care and supervision. 

“It also confirmed that there were no signs of exotic disease present in the livestock on board the vessel.” 

The exporter’s registered veterinarian also remains on board the vessel and continues to report back to the department daily. 

Cattle industry flags biosecurity concerns 

Meanwhile, Cattle Australia (CA) is urging the Federal Government to work expeditiously with the exporter to re-provision the vessel, ensure it is loaded appropriately, and get it on its way to its original destination. 

“It is time, after a significant delay, the regulator finds a quick resolution to this mess,” CA Chief Executive Officer and veterinarian, Dr Chris Parker, said. 

“CA understands there is a market willing to take these animals, and our clear preference is that the animals stay on the vessel.” 

Dr Parker said the Government must address any biosecurity risks associated with any livestock that may unload as part of this process. 

“Australia is free of many livestock diseases of concern. Any importation of live animals presents a risk, including returning Australian animals,” he said. 

“It is up to the government to assess the risks and propose measures to mitigate those risks. The government has not shared the information with industry. 

“Any exotic animal disease would have significant effects on the profitability of beef producers, and we must remain vigilant to keep them out. 

“Let’s get on with this, for the welfare of the animals, for maintaining Australia’s strict biosecurity measures, and for the good of our trading reputation.” 

Activists ‘spreading lies’ 

Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council (ALEC) Chief Executive Officer Mark Harvey-Sutton today launched a blistering attack on “intolerable lies” from activists and politicians about the MV Bahijah. 

“We, as an industry, have had to endure intolerable lies about what is going on – all from people that have never set foot on a livestock vessel once in their lives,” Mr Harvey-Sutton said. 

“Last night I saw a representative of the RSPCA on television, when asked what conditions were like on the vessel, describing the most horrid conditions without a scrap of evidence to support their claims. Even at one point describing Western Australian farmers as having “disgusting” views about the conditions on board – well how the hell would the RSPCA know? 

“Despite repeated invitations to RSPCA to go on a vessel tour they have never once accepted.” 

He also highlighted comments made by Federal Member for Fremantle Josh Wilson, who labelled the live export industry as “defunct”. 

Mr Harvey-Sutton said given sheep export volumes had increased by 40% and the Saudia Arabia market had just reopenend, this just wasn’t true.  

“While these activists are basking in their five minutes of fame, they are conveniently ignoring the fact this vessel returning has its roots in a very serious issue that is affecting our country’s economy and contributing to the cost-of-living pressure as well – attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.  

“This issue must always be viewed in the context that this vessel had the right to navigate this route and it was prevented from doing so. 

“By pushing these mistruths, these groups are proving they are no friends of the Australian community, and they are certainly no friends of the thousands of hard-working people employed by agriculture. But why let the truth get in the way of facts?” 

RSPCA wants livestock unloaded 

Yesterday the RSPCA wrote to DAFF highlighting its grave concerns over the welfare of the sheep and cattle it says are on board and to push for a fast-tracked timetable to end live export from Australia. 

“The industry’s threat to re-export the animals is recklessly irresponsible, callous, and prioritises their profits over the welfare of these animals which is now in perilous danger,” RSPCA Australia Chief Science Officer Dr Suzanne Fowler said. 

“The lack of concern for the welfare of these animals, the poor contingency planning and the extraordinary avoidance of scrutiny and accountability show exactly why the live sheep trade needs to end as soon as possible. 

“A legislated end date for Australia’s live sheep export must be passed in this term of Parliament - and for the majority of caring Australians, as this week’s debacle has shown, it can’t come soon enough.” 

As it happened 

The MV Bahijah loaded cattle and sheep in Fremantle, Western Australia and departed for the Middle East on January 5. 

At the time of departure, DAFF was satisfied that the arrangements for the transport of the livestock were appropriate to ensure their health and welfare. 

As a condition of departure, the exporter was required to lodge contingency arrangements should the vessel not be able to reach the proposed destination in the Middle East. 

The exporter also loaded additional fodder and veterinary supplies above those required by Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock for the proposed voyage. 

A registered veterinarian and an accredited stockperson are on board the vessel, accompanying the consignment to attend to the health and welfare of the livestock. 

Under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention and the International Safety Management Code, the Master of the vessel has overriding authority and responsibility to make decisions with respect to the safety of the vessel. 

The vessel has diverted away from the Red Sea due to the worsening security situation. 

Yesterday the exporter provided information to the department to support their application to unload some animals in Australia prior to re-exporting the remaining animals on board the vessel. 

It’s understood that some animals need to be unloaded before the ship can make its way to the Middle East, because of mandated lower density requirement for longer voyages. 

Today the MV Bahijah berthed at Fremantle to replenish supplies, but isn’t expected to stay in port long.