Around 4,000 sheep and goats die after ship sinks near Oman

Around 4,000 sheep and goats died after a cargo ship caught fire and sank off the coast of Oman.

The wooden cargo ship, identified as MSV Haji Ali, was travelling from Berbera port in Somalia to Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates as part of the live animal trade between East Africa and the Gulf region. The ship sails under the flag of India.

One of the owners of the ship told NDTV that the ship got hit by a “targeted aerial strike” on May 13. The ship then caught fire and sank.

Crew rescued but animals trapped onboard

All 14 Indian crew members were rescued by the Oman Coast Guard after the fire spread across the vessel. There are no reports of any attempts to rescue the animals onboard.

Reports say the ship quickly filled with fire and smoke before capsizing and sinking. The sheep and goats were reportedly trapped below deck with no way to escape.

The animals are believed to have died from the fire, smoke inhalation or drowning.

Live animal transport

The disaster has again raised concerns about the live export of animals by sea.

“We cannot look away from the immense suffering these animals endured in their final moments. Confined, frightened, and unable to escape, their lives ended in one of the most horrific ways imaginable,” animal welfare organization Four Paws said.

Every year, millions of sheep, cattle and goats are transported long distances on ships around the world. Animal welfare groups have repeatedly warned about overcrowding, extreme heat, disease outbreaks, injuries and deaths during these journeys.