The federal agriculture department has ordered a live export ship carrying thousands of Australian sheep and cattle to turn back after it was diverted due to the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.
Key points:
- The MV Bahijah left Australia for Jordan on January 5
- It was in limbo after being diverted from its path via the Red Sea
- The government is directing the live export ship's return to Australia
The MV Bahijah has been at sea for 15 days after leaving Fremantle harbour in Western Australia on January 5.
It was bound for Jordan via the Red Sea, but escalated attacks on cargo ships in the channel forced it to interrupt its journey.
The department says it's been in regular contact with the exporter and has now directed that the livestock be returned to Australia.
The security situation in the Red Sea, one of the busiest shipping routes in the world, has deteriorated since the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels, a militant Islamist group based in Yemen, have been carrying out attacks on vessels bound for Israel or with links to the US and UK.
An agriculture department spokeswoman said no other live export ships bound for the Red Sea had left from Australia since January 5.
She said at the time the MV Bahijah left for Jordan, that "based on the information available, 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".
She said the department met with industry members, the Australian Livestock Exports Council (ALEC) and LiveCorp last week to provide updated advice on the situation.
Live export 'risky'
The RSPCA has called for all live exporters to voluntarily suspend shipping to the region.
RSPCA chief science officer Suzie Fowler said she was relieved by this decision, but still deeply concerned about the health and welfare of the animals on board.
"This whole ordeal just goes to show that live export, by its very nature, is inherently risky and that the Australian government simply cannot safeguard the welfare of animals on board these ships," Dr Fowler said.
"The only way to stop Australian sheep suffering this fate again is to legislate an end date as soon as possible, once and for all."
The ABC is seeking comment from industry on this developing situation.