Blue Ocean A Livestock Carrier Towed to Safety After Engine Failure Near Italy
The 116-meter livestock carrier Blue Ocean A was towed to safety following an engine failure on January 28 while en route to Spain. The vessel, flagged in Saint Kitts and Nevis, was off the coast of Saint Peter, Italy, with 33 crew onboard when it sent a distress signal amid adverse weather conditions, including winds over 50 knots and waves reaching five meters.
The Italian Coast Guard in Cagliari coordinated the rescue, deploying aircraft and a Military Air Force helicopter. Local tugboats assisted in securing the ship, which faced multiple challenges, including snapped tow lines. Concerns about the livestock trade's safety standards were reiterated, emphasizing the risks associated with aging vessels like the 34-year-old Blue Ocean A and the need for improved animal welfare during transport.
