A second survivor from the sinking of Gulf Livestock 1 has died after being pulled unconscious from the sea off Japan two days after the tragedy.
The unnamed crewman was found drifting face down 75 km from Amami-Oshima island on Friday morning.
The unresponsive seafarer was transferred to hospital but later died.
A life jacket and a dead cow were recovered from the same area.
A search for 41 other seafarers was continuing after the 8,400-dwt ship (built 2002) lost power and capsized after being hit by a wave in Typhoon Maysak.
Only one man, the Filipino chief officer, has so far survived.
As a result of the accident, New Zealand has suspended live cattle exports.
The ship was carrying nearly 6,000 cows from the country to China.
Temporary halt
A statement from New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) said it had “temporarily suspended consideration of cattle livestock export applications. MPI wants to understand what happened on the sailing of the Gulf Livestock 1”.
The MPI also said it was not true there were pregnant cattle on board.
The vessel's technical manager, Marconsult of Germany, said in a statement that contact was lost on 2 September.
"A distress signal was received. Japanese MRCC has deployed SAR teams and we hope that the search will bring positive results soon. Relevant authorities have been informed accordingly," the company added.
"Our thoughts are with our crew and their families."
Dubai shipowner Gulf Navigation Holding said in its own statement that it is monitoring the situation and working closely with those involved in rescuers.
"Our hearts go out to those onboard and their families at this time," the company said.
"We also express deep regret for the sad loss of the livestock on board. ... We pray that there are other survivors."
