Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Bahijah

The arrival of the livestock carrier 'Bahijah' at the port of Haifa on April 6, 2024, signifies the conclusion of a distressing chapter in the realm of Australian live exports. After enduring an exhausting 34-day journey, the animals aboard are soon to be offloaded. Originally scheduled for export back to Australia on February 15, these critically affected sheep were subjected to harsh conditions, remaining in feedlots for weeks before being reloaded on March 3. This entire ordeal extended over 90 days, marking it as one of the longest live sheep export journeys witnessed in Australian history. As the conflict in the Red Sea escalated, Australian sheep and cattle were initially sent into danger, then faced prolonged waiting periods in the oppressive heat off the coast of Western Australia. After being offloaded and left in a feedlot for more than two weeks, the livestock were reboarded for a daunting passage around the notoriously turbulent Cape of Good Hope. Amidst growing concerns, the RSPCA has expressed a pressing need for clarity regarding the welfare of the animals throughout this harrowing experience, highlighting serious issues regarding transparency and regulatory shortcomings in the live animal export sector, often driven by profit over ethical considerations.

In a significant development for livestock transport, the Australian Department of Agriculture has granted approval for the re-exportation of 16,000 sheep and cattle aboard the 'Bahijah' following their recent discharge. After spending over two weeks in Australia since being unloaded, the animals are once more preparing for a journey to Israel. Due to heightened risks from Houthi attacks, the vessel will avoid the Red Sea route originally planned for their transit. The 'Bahijah' had already undertaken a challenging passage, with the livestock enduring nearly six weeks at sea. This included the initial voyage from Fremantle to the Red Sea, an unexpected diversion, and a subsequent return to Australia. After being stranded off Perth, the animals were finally unloaded on February 14, having only docked briefly for resupply along the way. Upon their arrival, the sheep and cattle were transported to a feedlot in quarantine facilities, addressing biosecurity regulations before the approved re-exportation. The Department of Agriculture has now set conditions for the exporter to ensure the animals do not traverse through the Red Sea again. A proposed alternative route around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope—estimated to take 33 days—was rejected by the authorities. Tragically, the voyage from January 5 to February 14 resulted in the loss of 81 animals, comprising four cattle and 64 sheep while at sea, along with additional casualties on land. The 'Bahijah' departed once more from Fremantle on March 3 at 9 a.m., with an expected arrival date in Haifa set for April 5. This unfolding saga highlights significant challenges in livestock logistics amid geopolitical tensions.

On February 14, 2023, the livestock carrier 'Bahijah' departed from Fremantle port after completing the unloading process of approximately 16,000 sheep and cattle. This shipment, which had been ordered back from the Red Sea due to safety concerns regarding potential Houthi attacks on January 16, finally made it ashore. Initially, the unloading was scheduled to commence over the preceding weekend, but delays arose as another vessel was in the process of loading livestock at the port. In compliance with Australian regulations, all livestock must undergo quarantine procedures following disembarkation. The unloading operations kicked off on February 12, with the animals being transported by truck from Fremantle Port to suitable facilities in Western Australia. Throughout the journey, a total of 81 animals lost their lives, which constituted a 0.18% mortality rate among the cattle and a 0.45% rate among the sheep onboard. Sadly, seven cattle and six sheep died after reaching land. Following their return, 'Bahijah' spent several weeks stranded off the coast of Perth, making brief stops to replenish supplies and fodder. The exporter proposed a plan to re-export the animals to the Middle East, routing them around the Cape of Good Hope in a 33-day journey to avoid Houthi regions. However, this plan was rejected by the Department of Agriculture, citing inadequate arrangements to ensure the health and welfare of the livestock during transport. As of now, the next steps for these animals remain a decision for the exporter.