Asylum seeker on board Bibby Stockholm barge dies
It's understood to happened this morning (December 12th)
Last updated 12th Dec 2023
An asylum seeker on board the Bibby Stockholm barge in Dorset has died.
Dorset Police said they were called to reports of a sudden death on board the vessel in Portland at 6.22am on Tuesday morning (December 12th), along with ambulance crews.
The coroners officer has been told, and police are looking into the circumstances of what happened.
The first asylum seekers were brought back to the giant vessel in October, some two months after it was evacuated following the discovery of Legionella bacteria in the water supply.
Steve Smith, CEO of refugee charity Care4Calais, said:
"Our thoughts are with the person who has lost their life, their family and their friends. It is also with all those stuck on board the Bibby Stockholm who will be experiencing a deep feeling of grief and worry today.
"The UK Government must take responsibility for this human tragedy. They have wilfully ignored the trauma they are inflicting on people who are sent to the Bibby Stockholm, and the hundreds being accommodated in former military barracks. They are being separated from the rest of society and we have witnessed a serious deterioration of people’s mental health.
"We have regularly been reporting suicidal intentions amongst residents and no action is taken.
"This can no longer continue. Asylum seekers are human beings, many of whom have experienced the worst traumas imaginable through war, torture and persecution. It’s time our political leaders treated them as human beings, listened to the trauma they have experienced and offered them sanctuary.
"The Government’s proxy-war against refugees is costing lives."
A Home Office spokeswoman said:
"We are aware of reporting of an incident involving an asylum seeker on the Bibby Stockholm.
"This is an ongoing police investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time"
South Western Ambulance service have been contacted for comment.