Delay and Detention of Livestock Ship Off Western Australia Ties Up Thousands of Animals
MV Bahijah, a cargo vessel transporting livestock along the western coast of Australia, found itself unable to depart the port because of escalating Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The blockade left more than 16,000 sheep and cows stranded aboard for roughly a month, a situation highlighted by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The journey toward Jordan had to be halted, and the ship eventually turned back to its Australian port of origin as tensions in the Red Sea intensified. The delay created a tense scenario for the crew and the animals, who faced a prolonged period at sea with limited space and resources.
As the vessel neared Jordan, mounting security concerns and the risk of further attacks prompted the captain to reroute back to Perth. The decision came after mounting pressure from animal welfare advocates, who argued that the animals should not be forced to endure such conditions. In response, the ship’s owners unloaded a portion of the livestock in Perth while arranging for the remainder to be redirected to destinations in the Middle East at a later date. The move was described as a humanitarian and logistical compromise aimed at improving welfare conditions for the animals and reducing the risk to the crew.
The Red Sea has seen renewed hostilities since November 2023, when Houthi forces began targeting merchant ships amid regional tensions linked to the Gaza situation. Vessels operated by American and British owners have faced repeated attacks, prompting increased international attention on sea routes and cargo security. The broader maritime community has urged cautious routing, enhanced escort services, and stronger contingency planning to minimize disruptions to global supply chains and protect livestock movements where possible.
In a separate note reflecting the dangers of maritime transport and the fragility of vehicle and livestock relief efforts, two police officers were previously compromised by exposure to carbon monoxide from a burning vehicle. Emergency responders reported that the incident involved a zebra and a camel truck, underscoring the unpredictable hazards that can accompany the transport of animals and vehicles in perilous conditions. The episode served as a stark reminder of the need for robust safety protocols and rapid response measures in ports facing security and environmental threats.