A man has died on the Bibby Stockholm barge, which houses asylum seekers off Dorset. The man is believed to have taken his own life, according to sources. Dorset Police were called to the vessel, which has capacity for up to 500 men and is docked off Portland, just after 06:20 GMT on Tuesday and an investigation is ongoing.
Richard Drax MP said the death was a “tragedy born of an impossible situation”. The Bibby Stockholm barge is the first to be used as part of government plans to reduce the cost of asylum accommodation. There has been significant opposition to the plan, with campaigners calling it “cruel and inhumane”.
The vessel was first used for accommodating asylum seekers in August but was evacuated after Legionella bacteria was found in the water supply. Asylum seekers returned in October. Bishop of Sherborne Karen Gorham said news of the death had “shaken the community” and local faith leaders had been asked to provide support.
Charity Care4Calais CEO Steve Smith said those on board the Bibby Stockholm “will be experiencing a deep feeling of grief and worry today,” adding: “The UK government must take responsibility for this human tragedy.” Ann Salter from Freedom from Torture said it was “time this government ends the use of barges and barracks as asylum accommodation once and for all. Those seeking protection need to be housed in our communities where they can properly access the support they need to recover and rebuild their lives.
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