UNPRECEDENTED rogue waves led to the deaths of 58 cattle on a Tasmanian live export ship crossing Bass Strait on Saturday night, according to the vessel owner.
Most of the cattle, carried on the MV Statesman from Stanley to Port Welshpool in Victoria, were euthanized by Victorian government vets after it berthed. Ship owner Les Dick said conditions were satisfactory for the passage when the boat left Stanley.
An investigation is being carried out into the incident.
Generic live export picture.