The Spiridon II vessel, which has been at sea for more than two months with 2,900 cows from Uruguay on board, could add a new chapter to its journey.
After being stranded in Turkey, there is speculation that it might dock at another port in the Mediterranean in the coming hours, before beginning its return to Uruguay.
A failed business between private parties
The Uruguayan government considers that the situation is due to “a business between private parties that failed.” According to the portal Ganadería.uy, the cargo ship could take the livestock to another destination before returning to the country.
Among the options mentioned are ports in North Africa or European ones like Italy, Spain, or Greece. The last available location of the Spiridon II was off the coast of Tunisia, according to MarineTraffic data updated less than 24 hours ago.
Criticism from the opposition: “a dreadful image”
The episode generated strong political criticism. The deputy of the Colorado Party (PC), Walter Verri, stated that the situation “creates a dreadful image for a livestock country” and recalled that “portals around the world criticize us on animal welfare.”
Although he acknowledged that it is a commercial and not a sanitary dispute, Verri maintained that the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries (MGAP) is responsible for not having better controlled the operation.
“There should be an investigation to know where they failed and to seek future solutions. This affects the image regarding animal welfare because demanding markets require high standards, and this does not speak well of a livestock country,” he concluded.
Animal rights organizations’ demands
The Animalist Platform of Uruguay sent a letter to the MGAP, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the INBA, demanding immediate, coordinated, and vigorous action by the State.
Their requests include:
- Redirection of the vessel and emergency docking for health reasons.
- Thorough inspection by veterinarians.
- Authorization for the total or partial unloading of the livestock.
The organization warned that omission at this critical moment could lead to irreparable damage to the national reputation and, most seriously, the mass death of the animals.
Debate on the export of live animals
The case of the Spiridon II reignites the debate on the export of live animals, a practice questioned by animal welfare organizations due to the risks associated with:
- Prolonged journeys in adverse conditions.
- Stress and suffering of the animals.
- Possibility of administrative blockages and commercial disputes.
This episode demonstrates how an administrative dispute can turn into a humanitarian and commercial problem, with thousands of animals affected and the reputation of livestock export at stake.
Diplomacy and reputation at risk
Diplomatic efforts will be key to resolving a case that sets a precedent in the commercial relationship between Uruguay and Turkey.
The outcome will not only impact the animals on board but also the international image of Uruguay as a livestock country, in a context where the most demanding markets require high standards of animal welfare.
The blockade of the Spiridon II exposes the tensions between commercial interests, animal welfare demands, and Uruguay’s international reputation. With more than 2,900 cows affected and growing criticism from the opposition and animal rights organizations, the case becomes a symbol of the debate on the export of live animals and the need to review control and regulation mechanisms.
