Reviews & Ratings for the Al-Messilah

The South African Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has revealed concerning findings following the arrival of the livestock carrier, 'Al Messilah', in East London on April 2, 2024. The vessel is preparing to transport approximately 60,000 sheep, 1,500 cattle, and 200 goats to slaughterhouses in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Scheduled to depart either late on April 5 or early April 6, the vessel is currently under scrutiny due to the detection of contagious ecthyma, an infectious skin condition affecting sheep and goats, which also poses a risk to humans. During thorough veterinary inspections and laboratory testing, NSPCA inspectors reported visible lesions on the lips of several sheep within the feedlot, fueling concerns about the widespread presence of the disease. Contagious ecthyma can lead to significant health issues, including a loss of appetite, weight loss, and the potential for severe secondary infections, particularly if the lesions become infected. This situation raises serious welfare concerns for the animals aboard the 'Al Messilah', especially those who have not yet exhibited symptoms but face potential suffering during the lengthy journey ahead, estimated to last three weeks. In the event that Kuwait and Saudi Arabia reject this shipment due to the health issues, the South African government has clarified that it will not accept the returning animals. In an effort to safeguard animal welfare, the NSPCA has already removed affected animals displaying clinical signs from the feedlot. However, the future of those that have yet to show symptoms remains a significant concern for animal welfare advocates and officials alike.

The livestock carrier 'Al Messilah,' which has been anchored in Fremantle since October 14, is expected to leave Australian waters later this week or early next week. This decision follows the clearance of approximately 24 crew members from COVID-19 by state health authorities. Upon its arrival, the ship saw 36 crew members placed in hotel quarantine after a case of the virus was identified on board. While one crew member required brief hospitalization, the remaining infected crew members exhibited no severe symptoms; last week, they were reported to be in good health. Amid the situation, two Australians—a local stockwoman from Busselton and an accredited veterinarian from Sydney—were permitted to disembark and quarantine at home after spending nearly eight months aboard due to international personnel movement restrictions. A small group of crew members remained on the vessel to manage routine maintenance and prepare for its upcoming voyage. The 'Al Messilah' is scheduled to dock at its next available berth in Fremantle to load approximately 60,000 sheep and 200 cattle, which are bound for the Persian Gulf.

The Premier of Western Australia has acknowledged being informed over the weekend about two Australians who were permitted to disembark the livestock carrier 'Al Messilah' at Fremantle prior to a COVID-19 outbreak being identified aboard the vessel. The individuals in question—a veterinarian from Sydney and a stock manager hailing from Busselton in WA's South West—had spent nearly eight months on the ship before it docked at Fremantle last week. After disembarking, they proceeded home to quarantine just before 25 COVID-19 cases were discovered on board. At the time of their departure, the ship had been following all existing health protocols and had not reported any COVID-19 cases, having been at sea for an extended period. This information emerged as 36 crew members from the 'Al Messilah', including 24 additional individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 on October 19, were transferred from the vessel to hotel quarantine in Perth.