Asylum seeker dies on Bibby Stockholm barge
An asylum seeker has died on board the Bibby Stockholm barge.
The barge, docked in Portland Port in Dorset, is one of a number of alternative sites the Home Office is using to house asylum seekers.
Dorset Police said they received a report of a “sudden death of a resident on the Bibby Stockholm” at 6.22am on Tuesday.
They said officers are conducting inquiries into the circumstances of the incident.
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Sources who have spoken to a number of people living on the barge have told Sky News the individual took their own life.
Further details are yet to be confirmed, including the individual’s age and country of origin.
Heather Haddow, from the non-profit organisation Portland Global Friendship Group, told Sky News the individual was a man from an African country.
A number of asylum seekers were moved back to the vessel in October, some two months after it was evacuated following the discovery of Legionella bacteria in the water supply.
Home Secretary James Cleverly said the death will be investigated “fully”.
“Tragically, there has been a death on the Bibby Stockholm barge,” Mr Cleverly told the House of Commons.
“I’m sure that the thoughts of the whole House, like mine, are with those affected.
“The House will understand that at this stage I am uncomfortable getting into any more details. But we will of course investigate fully.”
A Home Office spokesperson described it as a “tragic incident,” saying “our thoughts are with everyone affected”.
“The welfare of all those in our care is of the utmost importance, and we take our responsibility for their wellbeing incredibly seriously,” the spokesperson said.
“This will now be investigated by the police and coroner. It is right that the facts and circumstances surrounding this death are established.”
Death ‘tragically not surprising’
Ms Haddow, who has been in regular contact with asylum seekers on board, told Sky News correspondent Dan Whitehead that the individual had been “crying for help” before their death.
She said: “He asked to see an emergency doctor to get the mental health help he needed. He got given the number, but when he said he didn’t have a phone, he was not given the help he needed.”
She added: “We expected this news, we knew it was going to happen at some point.”
The Refugee Council has called for an independent review into the death, describing it as an “appalling loss of life but tragically not surprising”.
“We know from our work supporting men, women and children in the asylum system that many are deeply traumatised and feel isolated, unable to get the help they need,” Enver Solomon, the council’s chief executive, said.
He added: “Nobody who comes to our country seeking asylum should be left without the support they need, yet the system has more hostility than compassion built into it.”
The 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,” said Care4Calais CEO Steve Smith.
Calls for end to use of barges
Campaigning charity Freedom from Torture said it was “devastated” to hear of the death and called for an end to the use of barges as asylum accommodation.
The barge, which can house up to 500 people, is among a number of controversial accommodation options the government has begun rolling out to provide cheaper alternative housing for migrants awaiting the processing of asylum applications – including former military bases.
A total of 39 migrants were moved into the floating accommodation in August.
However, they were moved off again within days after Legionella bacteria, which can lead to the deadly lung infection Legionnaires’ disease, were found on board.
Former home secretary, Suella Braverman, previously insisted the barge was safe.
But human rights campaigners have compared it to a prison ship and said its use is inhumane.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has made cracking down on illegal migration one of his key priorities.
The incident comes as MPs are due to vote on the government’s flagship Rwanda bill later on Tuesday.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK