Denied Entry in Turkey, A Voyage of Suffering and Death: The Spiridon II Live Export Tragedy
The Spiridon II livestock carrier became a symbol of suffering earlier this year after nearly 340 cattle perished during a voyage that stretched on for weeks. Denied entry at several ports, including Turkey, the vessel remained stranded at sea while conditions on board deteriorated rapidly. Calves were born mid-journey, many unable to survive; animals collapsed in overcrowded pens; and mothers struggled to nurse their young. The tragedy has drawn international scrutiny, exposing the inherent cruelty of the live export trade, a system that treats sentient beings as cargo, vulnerable to delays, outdated vessels, and profit-driven decisions.
Ships of Suffering: 3,000 Cattle Trapped by Live Export off Turkey
For weeks, nearly 3,000 cattle have been stranded aboard the Spiridon II off Turkey’s coast. Denied entry on October 21, 2025, after veterinary inspectors discovered missing ear tags, absent electronic ID chips, and mismatched records for 469 animals, the ship has remained anchored offshore, unable to unload its cargo. On November 8–9, the vessel was briefly allowed to dock to load fodder and bedding, only to be forced back out to sea. By mid‑November, conditions had worsened: animals confined in cramped, unsanitary spaces, food and water running low, and reports of between 48 and 58 cattle dead. Many of the heifers are pregnant, raising fears of miscarriages and further suffering. Footage from the deck shows white bags believed to contain dead bodies, a haunting image of lives lost to bureaucracy and profit.