A livestock vessel stuck off the coast of Perth for several days has berthed at Fremantle Port, with some of the animals on board expected to be offloaded this morning.
The MV Bahijah was ordered to return to Australia earlier this month by the federal Department of Agriculture.
The vessel had diverted off its course to the Middle East due to security concerns in the Red Sea.
More than 15,000 animals, mostly sheep, are thought to be on board.
The ship had been languishing off the Perth coast for several days, sparking concern for the welfare of the livestock.
It entered Fremantle Port around 4am on Thursday and berthed at North Quay.
It remains unclear how many animals will be removed, but those left on board are expected to be re-exported.
Vets board MV Bahijah
On Wednesday night the department confirmed two independent veterinarians had boarded the vessel to inspect the animals.
It said it was reviewing their findings.
Doctor Holly Ludeman from the Livestock Collective agriculture group said the ship’s onboard veterinarian had not reported any animal welfare concerns.
“I’ve been in communication with the veterinarian on board and the sheep and cattle are in good health and welfare,” she said.
“The reports are going back to the federal government every day, and the appropriate systems are being put in place.”
Ship berths amid heatwave
The berthing of the vessel comes as Perth faces another day of sweltering weather.
Temperatures in the city exceeded 41 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, the hottest reading in more than two years.
Similar conditions are expected on Thursday, prompting concerns for the health of the animals on board.
Australia’s chief veterinary officer Beth Cookson said all would be done to safeguard the wellbeing of the livestock.
“There is an intensive effort occurring across a range of expert and regulatory areas within the Australian government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry,” she said.
“Those involved in government and industry are very conscious of the need to move quickly while working through these arrangements.”
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