Thousands Of Sheep And Goats Drown After Live Export Ship Sinks Near Oman
Authorities are continuing to investigate after the Indian flagged live export vessel MSV Haji Ali reportedly caught fire and sank near Oman, killing an estimated 4,000 sheep and goats onboard. The ship was reportedly traveling from Somalia to the United Arab Emirates as part of the live export trade.
According to reports, the crew members were rescued, but the sheep and goats are believed to have died from drowning or severe smoke exposure after the vessel caught fire and sank.
Some reports claim the vessel may have been struck by a suspected drone attack before the fire broke out, although authorities have not officially confirmed the exact cause of the incident as investigations remain ongoing.
The tragedy is once again drawing attention to the risks associated with the global live export industry, where animals can endure extreme conditions at sea such as intense heat, exhaustion, rough seas, overcrowding, and long voyages with limited oversight or protection.
“This heartbreaking tragedy is a devastating reminder that animals are sentient beings, not cargo,” stated World Animal News and Peace 4 Animals. “Thousands of terrified sheep and goats reportedly perished in a horrific and entirely preventable disaster at sea. The live export industry continues to place profits ahead of animal welfare, while innocent lives suffer the consequences. Stronger protections and meaningful reform are urgently needed to help prevent tragedies like this from happening again.”
Animal welfare advocates around the world have long called for an end to the live export industry, urging governments to stop transporting animals on dangerous voyages overseas.
The tragic deaths of thousands of sheep and goats near Oman are now fueling renewed calls to end the global live animal export trade once and for all.
