The latest on the Bahijah as at 4.30 pm Freo time - still in Gage Roads

The latest advice on the Bahijah from the Federal Ag Department, was received as of 4.30 pm WST/Freo time this afternoon.

The vessel departed Freo’s inner harbour at just after 1.30 pm Freo time today and is now at anchor in Gage Roads.

By all accounts she will return to the inner harbour at 6 am in the morning.

We assume decisions will then be made by the Authorities as to whether the ship’s proposed livestock journey then happens, or not.

Here’s the late afternoon advice.

1 February 2024, 7.30pm AEDT

The department continues to work closely with the exporter to determine the next steps for the animals on board the MV Bahijah and reach a resolution as quickly as possible.

Australia’s biosecurity, and the health and welfare of the animals onboard, are our highest priorities.

Today, the vessel resupplied essential provisions.

As a further measure to improve the comfort of the livestock onboard, and maintain high levels of animal welfare, the vessel is going through routine cleaning this evening.

The vessel has left port to stand offshore while it performs routine cleaning* and replacing the animal bedding.

The exporter’s registered veterinarian remains on board the vessel and will continue to report back to the department daily on the health and welfare of the livestock.

The department continues to assess the application to re-export the livestock provided by the exporter.

These are complex assessments that must balance Australian biosecurity, export legislation, animal welfare considerations and the requirements of our international trading partners.

Further information will be published as it becomes available.

Quotes attributable to Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Beth Cookson:

“It was good to see that the MV Bahijah was able to resupply essential provisions today. This is an appropriate and prudent measure to continue to maintain the welfare standard for the livestock onboard,” Dr Cookson said.

“It is also good practice that the vessel continues to perform its routine cleaning, as it is this evening, to wash decks and provide dry and insulating bedding material for the animals.”