Death ship’s captain cops fine

A SHIP captain who was in control of a vessel on which cattle died or suffered horrific injuries during a stormy crossing of Bass Strait has been fined $15,000.

Magistrate Katie Edwards said commercial interests had been placed above the needs of the 207 cattle on board and the animals had suffered greatly.

John McGee, 56, pleaded guilty last year to one count of using a method of management likely to result in unreasonable and unjustifiable pain and suffering over the 2016 voyage on the MV Statesman between Stanley and Port Welshpool. Dozens of cattle, including some that were crushed or dying of hypothermia, were left waiting for help from vets for more than six hours after the deadly trip. Of the 207 cattle on board the MV Statesman, 10 died during the crossing and 59 had to be euthanised.

The weather was worse than forecast and the court was told Mr McGee felt pressure from the ship’s owner to set sail. The cattle were open to the elements, including thunderstorms and gale-force winds.

Three large rogue waves, more than 6m high, smashed into the pens the cows were in.

“These animals were placed in a vulnerable position in which they suffered greatly,” Magistrate Edwards said.

“They had nowhere to go and could not help themselves or even be checked on by the crew because of the conditions. There were cows stacked on top of each other. Some had died already, others could only blink. Others were suffering exhaustion and shock and one suffocated between the rails of the ship.”

She told the experienced seafarer he had a duty to care for the animals on board and his decision to sail that night had breached that duty.

“There was external pressure put on Mr McGee, but ultimately it was his decision.”