MV Danny F II

Danny F II, originally named Don Carlos, was built in 1975 as a car carrier by Oy Wärtsilä Ab Turku shipyard. Renamed Danny F II in 1994, it was converted into a livestock transporter. On December 17, 2009, the ship capsized and sank off Lebanon during bad weather while en route from Montevideo to Tartus with 83 people, 10,224 sheep, and 17,932 cattle on board. Rescue efforts by UNIFIL, Italian, German, and Lebanese forces saved 40 people, found 11 dead, and left the remainder missing, presumed dead along with all animals.

Originally 202.62 meters long with a top speed of 20 knots, Danny F II was delivered to Rederei AB Soya in 1976. It changed hands several times, registered under various flags including Liberia, St. Vincent, and Panama. In 2000, it rescued the crew of Madona, another vessel in distress. By 2005, defects led to its detention in Adelaide.

The sinking occurred near Tripoli, Lebanon, with rescue operations hindered by harsh weather and debris from the livestock cargo. Efforts lasted 72 hours, involving multiple naval ships and helicopters from several countries. The incident underscores the challenges of maritime rescues in adverse conditions.