The livestock carrier sector has come under pressure to improve its safety record after a vessel sank with more than 14,000 sheep onboard off Romania.

The 2,100-dwt Queen Hind (built 1980) capsized on Sunday morning after leaving the port of Midia.

All 22 Syrian crew members onboard were rescued, the BBC reported.

One was taken to hospital with hypothermia after falling into the water.

At least 32 animals were rescued, but many are believed to have drowned.

Romania's main livestock breeder and exporter association, Acebop, called for an urgent investigation.

"Our association is shocked by the disaster," Acebop president Mary Pana told AFP.

"If we cannot protect livestock during long-distance transports, we should outright ban them."

The cause of the incident is not yet known.

The ship is operated by MGM Marine Shipping of Romania.

It was heading to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia with its cargo.