The Sarah-M: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

The livestock carrier 'Sarah M' faced a significant setback on April 30, 2024, when it was barred from docking at Greenore, Ireland, for an export mission. Following a campaign from animal rights activists, the ship, which has been operational since 2019, was unable to fulfill its scheduled journey to transport 2,000 young bulls. Activists leveraged current sanctions against Russia, highlighting that the ship had recently switched its classification to a Russian maritime authority, thus making it susceptible to the European Union's restrictions. In the wake of these developments, the 'Sarah M' turned away empty-handed shortly after the Farming Ireland organization alerted various governmental bodies. The vessel departed Irish waters, redirected into international waters, and subsequently dropped anchor. Ethical Farming Ireland noted that in March 2024, the 'Sarah M' changed its registration from Panama to Antigua and Barbuda, while simultaneously transitioning from the Polish classification society to the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping. This change opened a window for the activists, who successfully drew attention to the EU sanctions against Russia, which explicitly prohibit any vessel classified under Russian authorities from accessing EU ports. The animal carrier's history includes previous regulatory challenges, as Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine had previously revoked its operating license due to non-compliance with regulations before later reissuing it. In late 2019, the vessel completed a journey under its former ownership with Beirut Shipping Company, after which it transferred to DMS Lines, also based in Lebanon, following reports of a low-performance rating that had led to the former owner's license suspension. As of May 7, the 'Sarah M' was recorded off Cartagena, Spain, with its AIS signal indicating it was awaiting further instructions.

In a dramatic maritime rescue on November 3, 2022, at 2:08 a.m., the vessel 'Sarah M' successfully retrieved a North African man from perilous waters approximately 19 nautical miles southeast of Cabo de Gata. The ship was on its route from Algiers to Foynes when it encountered the stranded individual. Following the heroic rescue, the survivor was promptly transferred to the Search and Rescue (SAR) boat 'Salvamar Spica'. The man reported that he had been part of a group of 14 individuals traveling by boat, indicating that 13 of his companions are still unaccounted for, raising concerns about their fate in the dangerous Mediterranean Sea.

The long-awaited shipment of approximately 1,300 bulls and steers headed for Algeria is poised to proceed this week, following the successful resolution of prior technical challenges. Emerald Isle Beef Producers (EIBP), who previously provided around 600 cattle aboard the last vessel to Algeria, announced the positive developments. Delays surrounding an essential export health certificate had created a stalemate between the Irish Department of Agriculture and exporters Roundwood Park Livestock and Premium Livestock, initially set to embark on May 15, 2020. The hold-up stemmed from failure to comply with certain protocols outlined in the health certificate in a timely manner. As tensions escalated, the shipping company faced mounting costs due to birthing charges in excess of tens of thousands of euros each day. Consequently, they opted to transport the cattle from France instead of Ireland, a decision that could have severely impacted market competition for finished cattle domestically. Additionally, several farmers were contending with delayed payments after the last shipment; however, this matter has now been addressed, ensuring prompt payment upon the cattle's weighing at New Ross mart. Intensive negotiations involving the exporter, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed, and his department led to this favorable outcome, showcasing the collaborative spirit among various farm organizations in support of live exports. IFA president Tim Cullinan expressed his satisfaction with the resolution, highlighting the unified effort to overcome obstacles in the export process.