For over 7 weeks, nearly 3,000 cattle have been confined aboard the livestock carrier Spiridon 2, anchored off Bandirma Port in Turkey, with no relief in sight. The animals, transported from Uruguay, have endured unimaginable stress, hunger and exhaustion, yet Turkish authorities continue to refuse permission to unload the animals, due to unresolved administrative complications, resulting in thousands of animals trapped in inhumane conditions, with dwindling access to essential resources and no clear prospect of relief.
The scale of suffering aboard the vessel is staggering. Of the 2,901 animals onboard, 58 have already died, while 140 pregnant cows suffered miscarriages during the journey. Observers counted 50 newborn calves, yet 90 more remain unaccounted for, and their fate cannot be determined. Identification issues and administrative complications mean that many animals are trapped in a cruel limbo, with no end in sight.
The situation has deteriorated into a critical animal welfare emergency and a serious biosecurity and public health concern. Deprived of adequate fodder, bedding, and potable water, the animals endure heat stress, dehydration, fatigue, and the relentless confinement of an overcrowded ship. The vessel’s system, if operational, cannot produce enough fresh water for all animals. Each day prolongs their suffering and increases the risk of further deaths.
In response, Animal Advocacy & Food Transition, together with Animal Welfare Foundation, Animals International and Dr. Lynn Simpson, sent urgent letters to both the European Commission and the World Organisation for Animal Health. The European Commission was asked to use all available channels to facilitate the unloading of the surviving animals. While the situation falls outside the EU’s direct jurisdiction, the appeal emphasized the EU’s moral and strategic responsibility. Many companies involved in this trade operate under EU-linked frameworks, and acting now would demonstrate a commitment to global animal welfare standards and help prevent the recurrence of systemic failures in long-distance live animal transport. WOAH was urged to verify the status of the animals, ensure veterinary assessment and encourage Turkish authorities to authorize immediate unloading or humane euthanasia under proper supervision.
The tragedy aboard Spiridon 2 is yet just another example of the inherent risks of long-distance sea transport. Inadequate oversight, poorly maintained vessels, unpredictable port procedures, and weak enforcement combine to create an environment where animal suffering is routine and preventable deaths are inevitable.
All relevant authorities at national, European and international level, should act without delay to prevent further suffering and loss of life. Beyond this immediate crisis, there is an urgent need for systemic reform: vessels must be properly inspected and monitored before departure, operators must be held accountable when welfare standards are breached, and effective, proportionate, and enforced sanctions must be applied to prevent recurrence.
The animals aboard the MV Spiridon 2 are more than statistics. They are living, sentient beings enduring a terrible but avoidable tragedy at sea. Those involved should act decisively, before the situation worsens and more lives are lost.