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An Australian veterinarian was named among those aboard the ship that disappeared after a monstrous tornado hit the waters of southwestern Japan.
The Japanese Coast Guard believes the ship may have sunk and has launched a full-scale search for Gulf Livestock 1, which was carrying 5,800 head of cattle.
The freighter disappeared after sending a distress signal during Typhoon Misak while in the East China Sea. The export ship was alive in waters west of Amami Oshima Island in southwestern Japan, according to a report by Japan Public Broadcasting Corporation (NHK).
The ship was heading to China after leaving Napier in New Zealand last month and was due to arrive in China today when it hit severe weather and reportedly capsized after a strange wave.
The Japan Coast Guard spent the day conducting a major air and sea search of the ship or any member of the crew, but so far to no avail.
Last night authorities managed to rescue a crew member who shared gruesome details of the moment the ship sank.
Local media reported that Queensland vet Lucas Orda, who is married with a six-month-old son, is one of two Australians who were on the lost cargo ship.
Mr. Orda attended James Cook University and worked at the Gold Coast Equine Clinic before joining a livestock export ship as a veterinary officer in June.
The vet’s last heartbreaking Facebook post was on June 24, revealing his happiness with the upcoming trip.
“It starts with the first 20 days of my trip …” wrote Mr. Orda.
It was accompanied by a map showing that it was traveling to Yantai, China from the port of Portland in Victoria.
The New Zealand Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the cattle transporter, which left New Zealand for China on August 14, is expected to reach the Chinese port city of Tangshan in about 17 days.
The Australian Livestock Exporters Council (ALEC) says it understands that the other Australian on board is the stock keeper.
CEO Mark Harvey Sutton said ABC The radio is “anxiously” waiting for the news.
“It’s a very interconnected community, the livestock industry here (Australia) and New Zealand, so everyone is very concerned about the situation and we only hope for the best,” he said.
He told Seven News on Thursday that what we are seeing is “a tragedy unfolding” and that as they cling to hope, “as time goes on this hope diminishes.”
Harvey-Sutton said it was common for Australians involved in the live cattle industry to supply their trade globally.
“It’s a valuable frying pan and Australians are very good at it, so it’s not uncommon for Australians to be on cattle boats around the world at any time.”
He said his job is to care for the animals from a veterinary perspective and from a general livestock management perspective.
A rescued crew member
Since then, a crew member has been rescued by the Japanese Coast Guard, but the status of the rest of those on board is unknown, according to an RNZ report.
The rescued man, Sarino Edvardo, 45, has been hospitalized on the Japanese island of Amami Oshima. New York Times Reports.
Rescue photos released by the Coast Guard show Mr. Eduardo balancing in the dark waters.
He told rescuers that the ship suffered an engine failure during the hurricane before capsizing after a strange wave hit it.
“When it was rolling over, an advertisement on the plane asked us to wear a life jacket,” Edvardo said, according to the Coast Guard. “So I put on a life jacket and jumped into the sea.”
Japan’s Coast Guard sent planes and rescue boats to search for the ship when they found the lone survivor on Wednesday night.
He was rushed to a large ship, where coast guard personnel wrapped him in surgical masks and gloves with blankets, AFP reported.
“Water,” said the man. “Thank you thank you very much.” “Am I the only one? No one else?” I ask.
Coast Guard spokesman Yuichiro Higashi said Thursday that patrol boats continue to search for other crew members.
A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) told news.com.au that they had been in contact with the families of the Australian crew members on board.
“The Australian government provides consular assistance to the families of two Australian crew members aboard a cargo ship that has been reported missing in Japanese waters,” the Australian Foreign Office said in a statement.
Due to our privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further feedback.
Urda’s friends have since moved to his Facebook page, leaving messages of support for his family and sending prayers that he is safe.
A friend wrote: “If only we could go back in time and prevent you from getting on this ship.”
“Prayers are safe for Lucas. Another person wrote: “The Costa Dorada is praying for you tonight.
Also on board the missing ship were two New Zealanders, as well as a crew of 39 from the Philippines and one person from Singapore. Herald of New Zealand, And about 5,800 head of cattle.
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Millions of cattle and sheep are transported by sea each year, which is a very profitable trade for meat producers in countries such as Australia and New Zealand. New York Times Reports, adding that animal rights advocates say these trips are often very long, regulations are not right and rules are often violated.
Gulf Livestock 1 was built in 2002 with its main port in Panama. Reuters reported that the registered owner of the 456-foot vessel is Rahmeh Compania Naviera SA, a company based in Amman, Jordan.
Shipping issues
This is not the first time the ship has had problems.
In May 2019, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority identified stability and navigation issues at Gulf Livestock 1, delaying its departure on a flight from Broome to Indonesia.
However, according to an independent report on the Ministry of Agriculture website, the ship safely completed the trip.
“The observer noted that this was a successful flight as the crew and crew were professional and attentive throughout the trip. It was noted that livestock welfare is of utmost importance to all livestock, crew and officers, “the report concluded, adding that it met ASEL requirements.
