To ensure the health and welfare of the livestock onboard cattle carrier MV Bahijah, Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry directed the exporter that the consignment be immediately returned to Australia.
According to the Department, the health and welfare of the animals onboard remains a top priority. The MV Bahijah loaded cattle and sheep in Fremantle, Western Australia and departed for the Middle East on 5 January 2024. At the time of departure on 5 January, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry 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.
However, 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.
Subsequently, safeguard the health and wellbeing of the animals aboard the Australian government asked the exporter to promptly return the shipment to Australia.
