<p>The death of an asylum-seeker on a housing barge near the southern coast of England has kicked off a police investigation, said multiple media reports on Tuesday (Dec 12) citing British officials. The death on the housing barge, called Bibby Stockholm, has been confirmed by the Home Office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Associated Press quoted a Dorset Police spokesperson who said that police officials got “a report of a sudden death of a resident on the Bibby Stockholm” on Tuesday.</p>

<p>“Officers are conducting inquiries into the circumstances of the incident,” said the spokesperson.</p>

<p>Bibby Stockholm, the barge, is currently housing migrants who are awaiting result of their applications for asylum in the UK. The barge has the capacity to hold 500 people and is currently moored in Portland harbour, Dorset.</p>

<h2><strong>The controversy surrounding the barge</strong></h2>

<p>The Bibby Stockholm has been a matter of controversy. The housing barge and disused military barracks are being used by the British government to avoid the costs to house incoming illegal migrants in hotels across the country. The migrants often cross the English Channel in boats that more often than not are unseaworthy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UK PM Rishi Sunak has vowed to 'Stop the boats' in his campaign bearing the same name.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | UK: Will PM Rishi Sunak charm UK lawmakers to back his asylum plan</strong></p>

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<p>The Bibby Stockholm had to evacuated earlier this year due to discovery of a dangerous bacteria in its water supply.</p>

<p>Holding migrants in housing barges like Bibby Stockholm has attracted criticism from rights group but British officials continue to support the decision saying it brings “better value to taxpayers” than when the migrants are lodged in hotels which costs millions daily.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unilever-to-be-investigated-by-uk-antitrust-regulator-over-greenwashing-claims-668944">Unilever to be investigated by UK antitrust regulator over 'greenwashing' claims</a></strong></p>

<p>Rights groups have been highlighting poor conditions on the barge saying that housing the migrants there was like keeping them in a prison. This, they say, is unfair to those migrants who may have fled extremely adverse situations like persecution and torture in their home countries.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-slams-china-over-incidents-in-south-china-sea-against-philippines-668718">UK slams China over incidents in South China Sea against Philippines</a></strong></p>

<p>AP quoted The Refugee Council, a UK-based charity that works with refugees.</p>

<p>“This is an appalling loss of life but tragically not surprising,” said Enver Solomon, who is the group's chief executive</p>

<p>“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.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The death of an asylum-seeker on a housing barge near the southern coast of England has kicked off a police investigation, said multiple media reports on Tuesday (Dec 12) citing British officials.

The death of an asylum-seeker on a housing barge near the southern coast of England has kicked off a police investigation, said multiple media reports on Tuesday (Dec 12) citing British officials. The death on the housing barge, called Bibby Stockholm, has been confirmed by the Home Office. The Associated Press quoted a Dorset Police spokesperson who said that police officials got “a report of a sudden death of a resident on the Bibby Stockholm” on Tuesday. “Officers are conducting inquiries into the circumstances of the incident,” said the spokesperson. Bibby Stockholm, the barge, is currently housing migrants who are awaiting result of their applications for asylum in the UK. The barge has the capacity to hold 500 people and is currently moored in Portland harbour, Dorset. The controversy surrounding the barge The Bibby Stockholm has been a matter of controversy. The housing barge and disused military barracks are being used by the British government to avoid the costs to house incoming illegal migrants in hotels across the country. The migrants often cross the English Channel in boats that more often than not are unseaworthy. UK PM Rishi Sunak has vowed to 'Stop the boats' in his campaign bearing the same name. Watch | UK: Will PM Rishi Sunak charm UK lawmakers to back his asylum plan × The Bibby Stockholm had to evacuated earlier this year due to discovery of a dangerous bacteria in its water supply. Holding migrants in housing barges like Bibby Stockholm has attracted criticism from rights group but British officials continue to support the decision saying it brings “better value to taxpayers” than when the migrants are lodged in hotels which costs millions daily. Also Read | Unilever to be investigated by UK antitrust regulator over 'greenwashing' claims Rights groups have been highlighting poor conditions on the barge saying that housing the migrants there was like keeping them in a prison. This, they say, is unfair to those migrants who may have fled extremely adverse situations like persecution and torture in their home countries. Also Read | UK slams China over incidents in South China Sea against Philippines AP quoted The Refugee Council, a UK-based charity that works with refugees. “This is an appalling loss of life but tragically not surprising,” said Enver Solomon, who is the group's chief executive “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.” (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Migrant dies on housing barge holding asylum seekers

<p>The presence of Legionella bacteria in the water system&nbsp;has resulted in a shutdown of the Bibby Stockholm barge for weeks, media reports said. The 222-bedroom barge hired by UK as part of a £1.6 billion ($1.75 billion) immigration deal, was evacuated after the presence of potentially deadly bacteria was detected.</p>

<p>“This is deeply troubling, and rapidly turning into a farce that the Home Office can ill afford,” former minister Tim Loughton said adding, “Given the importance of the project, it was important that every risk assessment was performed before the people were put on the barge. Given the delays, there are serious questions as to why they were not done and what comeback there is on the contractors or whoever is responsible for signing it off for habitation.”</p>

<p>Another MP called the incident an “embarrassment” and labeled Home Office “incompetent”. Following the evacuation of migrants from the barge on Friday, they have now been relocated to hotels.</p>

<p>It wasn't until Friday that all 39 migrants were finally relocated from the barge. Prominent Members of Parliament are now raising questions about why this group was permitted before receiving the test outcomes.</p>

<p>Moreover, the UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman is facing increasing pressure. Government ministers have expressed concerns that the contractor in charge, Landry and Kling, was already aware of the presence of legionella bacteria on the Bibby Stockholm before the first group of asylum seekers boarded the ship on Monday at Portland, Dorset.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-brics-summit-russian-envoy-babushkin-advocates-trading-in-national-currencies-624722">Ahead of BRICS summit, Russian envoy Babushkin advocates trading in national currencies</a></p>

<p>Surprisingly, despite this knowledge, an additional six migrants were reportedly brought onto the barge the subsequent day. However, the Home Office was only informed about this issue on Wednesday when additional tests were ordered.</p>

<h2><strong>Home Office letter&nbsp;leaked</strong></h2>

<p>While no confirmed cases of the disease have been reported among the individuals on the barge, symptoms might take up to 16 days to manifest. An internal Home Office document leaked to The Guardian revealed that asylum seekers would be tested if they exhibited various symptoms, including dry coughs, confusion, and diarrhea.</p>

<h2><strong>Immigration challenges</strong></h2>

<p>These developments come after Rishi Sunak's "small boats week," which intended to unveil stricter policies to deter asylum seekers from entering the UK. This initiative saw the government retracting plans to relocate migrants to Ascension Island and facing criticism for insensitive comments made by Conservative deputy chair, Lee Anderson.</p>

<p>Moreover, a Home Office drone crashed, and a record number of asylum seekers crossed the Channel in a single day.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-indian-govt-proposes-revamp-of-colonial-era-laws-heres-what-will-change-624710">Indian govt proposes revamp of colonial-era laws, here’s what will change</a></p>

<p>Legionella testing was initially conducted on July 25, revealing low-level traces on Monday when the first asylum seekers arrived on the barge.</p>

<h2><strong>Public outrage&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Local authorities expressed shock at the government's apparent failure to promptly address basic safety checks. Critics, including the shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock, condemned the situation, labeling it a "catalogue of catastrophe."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | No-Confidence Motion: PM Modi's NDA government wins trust vote in Parliament&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Various activists are demanding answers from the government, with questions raised about the competence of private contractors involved and the overall approach to accommodating asylum seekers.&nbsp;</p>

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The presence of Legionella bacteria in the water system has resulted in a shutdown of the Bibby Stockholm barge for weeks, media reports said. The 222-bedroom barge hired by UK as part of a £1.

The presence of Legionella bacteria in the water system has resulted in a shutdown of the Bibby Stockholm barge for weeks, media reports said. The 222-bedroom barge hired by UK as part of a £1.6 billion ($1.75 billion) immigration deal, was evacuated after the presence of potentially deadly bacteria was detected. “This is deeply troubling, and rapidly turning into a farce that the Home Office can ill afford,” former minister Tim Loughton said adding, “Given the importance of the project, it was important that every risk assessment was performed before the people were put on the barge. Given the delays, there are serious questions as to why they were not done and what comeback there is on the contractors or whoever is responsible for signing it off for habitation.” Another MP called the incident an “embarrassment” and labeled Home Office “incompetent”. Following the evacuation of migrants from the barge on Friday, they have now been relocated to hotels. It wasn't until Friday that all 39 migrants were finally relocated from the barge. Prominent Members of Parliament are now raising questions about why this group was permitted before receiving the test outcomes. Moreover, the UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman is facing increasing pressure. Government ministers have expressed concerns that the contractor in charge, Landry and Kling, was already aware of the presence of legionella bacteria on the Bibby Stockholm before the first group of asylum seekers boarded the ship on Monday at Portland, Dorset. Also Read | Ahead of BRICS summit, Russian envoy Babushkin advocates trading in national currencies Surprisingly, despite this knowledge, an additional six migrants were reportedly brought onto the barge the subsequent day. However, the Home Office was only informed about this issue on Wednesday when additional tests were ordered. Home Office letter leaked While no confirmed cases of the disease have been reported among the individuals on the barge, symptoms might take up to 16 days to manifest. An internal Home Office document leaked to The Guardian revealed that asylum seekers would be tested if they exhibited various symptoms, including dry coughs, confusion, and diarrhea. Immigration challenges These developments come after Rishi Sunak's "small boats week," which intended to unveil stricter policies to deter asylum seekers from entering the UK. This initiative saw the government retracting plans to relocate migrants to Ascension Island and facing criticism for insensitive comments made by Conservative deputy chair, Lee Anderson. Moreover, a Home Office drone crashed, and a record number of asylum seekers crossed the Channel in a single day. Also Read | Indian govt proposes revamp of colonial-era laws, here’s what will change Legionella testing was initially conducted on July 25, revealing low-level traces on Monday when the first asylum seekers arrived on the barge. Public outrage Local authorities expressed shock at the government's apparent failure to promptly address basic safety checks. Critics, including the shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock, condemned the situation, labeling it a "catalogue of catastrophe." WATCH | No-Confidence Motion: PM Modi's NDA government wins trust vote in Parliament × Various activists are demanding answers from the government, with questions raised about the competence of private contractors involved and the overall approach to accommodating asylum seekers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Tory ministers slam UK Home Office amid weeks-long barge shutdown due to Legionella bacteria

<p>Asylum seekers onboard the Bibby Stockholm, the 222-bedroom barge hired by the United Kingdom as part of a £1.6 billion ($1.75 billion) immigration deal, are being evacuated amid the presence of potentially deadly bacteria in the water system.</p>

<p>The UK Home Office, as per The Guardian,&nbsp;confirmed that legionella has been identified on the mammoth controversial barge.</p>

<h2><strong>Leaving so soon</strong></h2>

<p>As per the report, the first asylum seekers boarded the vessel on Monday (August 7th). On Friday, the barge that is currently docked in Portland Port, Dorset had 39 people.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-channel-crossings-in-last-5-years-cross-100000-mark-uk-data-624616">Migrant channel crossings in last 5 years cross 100,000 mark: UK data</a></strong></p>

<p>"Environmental samples from the water system on the Bibby Stockholm (barge) have shown levels of Legionella bacteria which require further investigation," said a spokesperson at the Home Office, as quoted by Reuters.</p>

<p>"As a precautionary measure, all 39 asylum seekers who arrived on the vessel this week are being disembarked while further assessments are undertaken."</p>

<p>"No individuals on board have presented with symptoms of legionnaires' (disease), and asylum seekers are being provided with appropriate advice and support," added the spokesperson.</p>

<h2><strong>Legionella threat</strong></h2>

<p>The potentially fatal bacteria 'legionella' can cause lung infections like legionnaires’ disease or Pontiac fever.</p>

<p>It is highly infectious and can be contacted by merely breathing a small droplet of infected water in the air.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/engineered-bacteria-offer-new-hope-for-early-detection-of-cancer-624649">Engineered bacteria offer new hope for early detection of cancer</a></strong></p>

<p>The infection, as per Reuters, is described by the British health service as uncommon but "very serious".</p>

<p>However, the British government claims that no-one onboard had presented with symptoms of the disease. It also said that it was working closely with, following the advice of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).</p>

<h2><strong>Bibby Stockholm</strong></h2>

<p>The hulking three-story Bibby Stockholm barge has the capacity to house around 500 people in over 200 bedrooms. While it was currently housing 39 people, as per Reuters, more people were expected to be moved in over the coming weeks.</p>

<p>The discovery of legionella comes as an embarrassment for PM Rishi Sunak's government as it tries to showcase its tough new immigration policy. The barge in question was part of the government's high-profile strategy to deter people from arriving in the country on small boats.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Asylum seekers onboard the Bibby Stockholm, the 222-bedroom barge hired by the United Kingdom as part of a £1.6 billion ($1.75 billion) immigration deal, are being evacuated amid the presence of potentially deadly bacteria in the water system.

Asylum seekers onboard the Bibby Stockholm, the 222-bedroom barge hired by the United Kingdom as part of a £1.6 billion ($1.75 billion) immigration deal, are being evacuated amid the presence of potentially deadly bacteria in the water system. The UK Home Office, as per The Guardian, confirmed that legionella has been identified on the mammoth controversial barge. Leaving so soon As per the report, the first asylum seekers boarded the vessel on Monday (August 7th). On Friday, the barge that is currently docked in Portland Port, Dorset had 39 people. Also read | Migrant channel crossings in last 5 years cross 100,000 mark: UK data "Environmental samples from the water system on the Bibby Stockholm (barge) have shown levels of Legionella bacteria which require further investigation," said a spokesperson at the Home Office, as quoted by Reuters. "As a precautionary measure, all 39 asylum seekers who arrived on the vessel this week are being disembarked while further assessments are undertaken." "No individuals on board have presented with symptoms of legionnaires' (disease), and asylum seekers are being provided with appropriate advice and support," added the spokesperson. Legionella threat The potentially fatal bacteria 'legionella' can cause lung infections like legionnaires’ disease or Pontiac fever. It is highly infectious and can be contacted by merely breathing a small droplet of infected water in the air. Also read | Engineered bacteria offer new hope for early detection of cancer The infection, as per Reuters, is described by the British health service as uncommon but "very serious". However, the British government claims that no-one onboard had presented with symptoms of the disease. It also said that it was working closely with, following the advice of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Bibby Stockholm The hulking three-story Bibby Stockholm barge has the capacity to house around 500 people in over 200 bedrooms. While it was currently housing 39 people, as per Reuters, more people were expected to be moved in over the coming weeks. The discovery of legionella comes as an embarrassment for PM Rishi Sunak's government as it tries to showcase its tough new immigration policy. The barge in question was part of the government's high-profile strategy to deter people from arriving in the country on small boats. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Deadly bacteria found on Bibby Stockholm, UK evacuates controversial barge

In a divisive move, the United Kingdom, which is attempting to address its immigration issue, will lodge hundreds of asylum seekers on the megabarge BB Stockholm, which is currently parked in British territorial waters.

What will life be like on UK's first migrant housing barge?

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