- Death on Stockholm asylum barge
- Suicide suspected
- Calls for better conditions
A death has occurred aboard the Bibby Stockholm barge, which shelters asylum seekers off the coast of Dorset.
Multiple sources have reported that the deceased individual is believed to have committed suicide.
On Tuesday at 6:20 GMT, Dorset Police were dispatched to the vessel, which was moored off the coast of Portland, and their officers are currently conducting inquiries.
Reflections from Local MP and CEO of Care4Calais
Conservative MP for South Dorset, Richard Drax, described the event as a “tragedy begotten of an impossible situation.”
The three-story barge off Portland harbours 500 men awaiting asylum decisions.
The fatality occurred within one of the vessel’s over 200 compartments, according to a source with knowledge of the incident.
Assuring members of parliament that the demise would be thoroughly examined, Home Secretary James Cleverly added, “I have no doubt that the House as a whole is thinking about those who have been impacted.”
The deceased man’s nationality and age have not been officially determined at this time. Notification of the situation has been made to the coroner’s office.
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Controversial Utilization of the Barge
Mr. Drax stated, “Although I neither consented to nor accepted the barge’s imposition on South Dorset, I believe it provided some of those who were cruelly trafficked across the Channel with a safe haven.”
The deplorable conditions precipitating this unfortunate result are beyond description. We must try to eradicate this evil trade in human suffering.
The CEO of the refugee charity Care4Calais, Steve Smith, stated, “Our thoughts are with the deceased individual, their family, and their friends.”
“Today, the passengers of the Bibby Stockholm will be overcome with profound sorrow and apprehension,” he said, adding, “The government of the United Kingdom must accept responsibility for this human tragedy.”
People returned to the vessel in October after its evacuation in August, following the discovery of Legionella bacteria in the water supply, after which it had been utilized to house asylum seekers.
This barge is the first to be used by the government to lower asylum costs.
Protesters deemed the plan “cruel and inhumane” and voiced substantial opposition from both residents and national organizations.
Calls for Change and Responsibility
Bishop of Sherborne Karen Gorham stated that the community was ‘shaken’ by the news of the fatality. This is especially devastating because local religion and church organisations knew several of the guys on board.
“As adversaries become companions, we are profoundly affected by this loss of life,” she explained, adding that local religious leaders had been requested to offer condolences.
We must conduct more frequent welfare inspections; therefore, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to do so.
Freedom from Torture’s Ann Salter stated that the organization was “devastated” and “tragically afflicted” upon learning of the death. She further said, “It is time for this administration to permanently cease using barges and barracks as refugee accommodations.”
It is necessary to shelter those needing protection in our communities, where they will have access to the resources required to recover and rebuild their lives.
As the news of the demise spreads, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak separately gets ready for a crucial vote later today on his flagship Rwanda measure.
Illegal immigrants to the United Kingdom would be deported to the East African nation. There, they could apply for asylum under the proposed program.
Govt to announce measures, including high skilled worker salary
