Livestock Carrier With 2600 Cattle Catches Fire At Brazil’s Port Of Sao Sebastiao

A fire onboard livestock carrier North Star 1 broke out when it was berthed at Brazil’s Port of Sao Sebastiao on March 3, 2026.

A few crew members among the 28 onboard needed medical attention due to inhaling smoke while the 2600 cattle on the carrier heading to Turkey were disembarked.

The fire reported to have begun in a store where fodder was kept serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of fire at sea, especially for livestock carriers where there is no safe way to evacuate the animals, said Australian veterinarian Dr Lynn Simpson.

The animals die cruelly from being burned alive while being trapped in their pens, an instance which has happened many times in the past.

Livestock carriers do not have life-preserving equipment for animals except for hoses, and if there is a fire which is beyond control, then the crew has to evacuate first and leave the poor animals behind.

“During my decade of sailing on livestock carriers as a veterinarian, I was surprised how often the fire alarm sounded during loaded voyages, fortunately ours were brought under control quickly – not all are so lucky. None of the fires I witnessed made it to the media, but many others have, Simpson added.

In December, a coalition of 36 organisations issued a letter to the Secretary-General of the IMO calling for binding regulations for livestock carriers.

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