THE 1,130 cattle which spent two days without food at the Libyan port of Tripoli last week were finally unloaded from the cattle ship yesterday in Derna, 350 miles east of Tripoli.
The animals left Greenore, Co Louth, on February 22nd but while they were at sea, the Libyan authorities asked the shippers to change the port of destination from Tripoli to Derna. Bad weather delayed the arrival of the vessel, Guernsey Express, and it unsuccessfully sought permission to unload the cargo at Tripoli.
With food running out, the cattle were placed on half rations for two days and spent another two days without food. However, water was available at all times to them. Two animals died.
Eventually, food was provided for the cattle last weekend. The vessel arrived in Derna on Tuesday evening and its cargo was discharged last night.
The incident has reopened the issue of the shipment of live animals to non EU destinations. Last night, Compassion in World Farming called for an independent investigation into the incident.