- Cow escaped while being loaded into an export ship in Townsville, Queensland
- A group of canoeists saw the cow struggling in the water early this morning
- They put a lifejacket around the cow and started to tow it to shore with a rope
- But it died on the way to shore of exhaustion of surviving all night in the sea
A cow has died at sea after escaping from a cattle export ship despite a brave rescue attempt by canoeists.
The animal escaped during loading last night and found its way into the sea in Townsville, Queensland.
A group of canoeists saw the cow struggling in the water early this morning after surviving all night.
A cow has died at sea after escaping from a cattle export ship despite a brave rescue attempt by canoeists. Pictured: The cow in the sea before it died
They put a lifejacket around the cow and started to tow it to shore with a rope but it died of exhaustion on the way.
Witness Julie Lyne told Daily Mail Australia: ‘It was very distressing. I was hoping for a better outcome but alas.’
Canoeist Pam Roberts went to help after she saw a group of people paddling near the cow.
She told the Townsville Bulletin: ‘We went around to help because we had a bigger boat. We had a couple of people get in the water as well.
‘They put a life jacket around the cow and a rope to try to bring it in but I think it was at the point of exhaustion. It was extremely sad.’
They put a lifejacket around the cow and started to tow it to shore with a rope but it died of exhaustion on the way. Pictured: The cow on the beach
A Port of Townsville spokeswoman said: ‘The incident is unfortunate and the exporter has advised us they will conduct an investigation into the matter.’
An Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council spokesman said exporters ‘invest significantly in reducing risks to animal welfare’.
He added: ‘When an extremely rare yet tragic incident occurs despite all precautionary measures taken, the Department of Agriculture is advised immediately and an investigation is undertaken, with the full co-operation of the exporter and industry.’