Dead animals hamper rescue bid after ship capsizes

[FarCenter]

RESCUERS are searching for survivors after a livestock boat carrying more than 80 people, including an Australian, capsized in a violent storm off the northern coast of Lebanon.

But their efforts are being hampered by the wild weather, with thousands of dead animals now floating in the choppy seas.

"The sea conditions are rough and we need to find the survivors quickly because they run the risk of hypothermia," one official said.

"And if the storm kicks up again, they have little chance of surviving."

The Danny F II was transporting livestock from Uruguay to the Syrian port of Tartous when it overturned about 7:30pm local time (0430 AEDT).

The ship's operator, Agencia Schandy, said the ship had a crew of 76 and six passengers - four Uruguayans, one Brazilian and an Australian.

It left Montevideo on November 23 with 10,224 sheep and 17,932 cattle.

All of the animals were presumed lost after the ship capsized and sank, a Tripoli port official said.

<SNIP> http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/dead-animals-hamper-rescue-bid-after-ship-capsizes/story-fn3dxity-1225811648649

[Bobbieo]

1. Too bad this did not happen in polar bear country. Just facing reality!