In a separate accident, a loading area floor collapsed and three more died.

BBC: Ramsgate demo as MPs about to debate live exports

In another accident, two sheep died when a loading area floor collapsed as the livestock was being taken off a lorry.

BBC: Port of Ramsgate urged to resume live animal exports

In an unconnected accident on the same day a loading area floor collapsed while the sheep were being taken off the lorry and two more died.

BBC: Thanet council legal fight over Ramsgate live exports ban

An accident at the Brazilian port of Ponta da Madeira, in which one of the Valemax ships was damaged while loading its maiden cargo, came as a huge setback to Vale as it gave China an excuse to ban Valemax vessels from its shores on safety grounds.

FORBES: Vale's Valemax Service Still Faces Hurdles In China