A man who was seeking asylum is reported to have committed suicide while being accommodated on the Bibby Stockholm barge.
Authorities are currently looking into the unexpected passing of an individual aboard a large ship in Portland, Dorset. The vessel was rented by former Home Secretary Suella Braverman to accommodate recent arrivals to the United Kingdom.
According to another person seeking asylum on the barge, the death was expected due to the inadequate living conditions onboard.
“This passing was not unexpected for any of us. The act of individuals ending their own lives is a foreseeable consequence of the Home Office’s practice of placing people on the barge.”
He stated that the longer we are confined here, the more apparent it becomes that everyone’s mental well-being is declining.
According to the man, a group of people living on barges went on a hunger strike to express their dissatisfaction with the inadequate food and living conditions.
He expressed a straightforward statement to the Home Office, questioning the number of lives lost before they acknowledge their errors in how they handle asylum seekers.
According to a source, tensions on the boat rose as more asylum seekers were transferred onto it. Authorities are investigating a particular event on Saturday evening in Weymouth involving individuals from the barge, which may be connected to the death.
A representative from Dorset police stated that on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 6:22am, a report was received regarding the unexpected passing of a resident on the Bibby Stockholm. The authorities are currently investigating the situation and the coroner’s office has been informed of the death.
The Home Secretary, James Cleverly, assured MPs that the death will be thoroughly investigated. He stated, “At this point, I am hesitant to disclose any further information. However, we will conduct a complete investigation.”
It is believed that there are approximately 300 male asylum seekers on the vessel, which according to the Home Office, can accommodate up to 500 individuals. Each cabin is expected to be shared by up to four people.
Since its arrival in Portland in July, the barge has faced numerous issues, including health and safety concerns. The Fire Brigades Union has expressed concern over the potential risks posed by overcrowding and inadequate fire exits, labeling the barge a “potential deathtrap.”
The prime minister’s representative verified that the alleged fatality is under examination. They stated: “All individuals who board the Bibby Stockholm undergo a medical evaluation, are constantly supervised while staying in the lodging, and are provided with any needed assistance as expected.”
In early August, individuals seeking asylum were brought onto the ship. However, they were removed a few days later upon discovering the presence of legionella bacteria in the water system.
The three-story boat accommodates individuals who are waiting for the results of their asylum requests.
The Home Office allocated additional funds to NHS Dorset for a single-room medical facility on a barge. Officials stated that the center would be operational five days a week.
According to NHS Dorset, a nurse practitioner or paramedic would be present four to five days a week, and a GP for one day a week, with translation services offered when asylum seekers returned to the barge in October.
Charitable organizations have consistently expressed concern over the declining mental health of residents on board the barge, which is worsened by its isolated location.
Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, urged for an unbiased examination of the event. He stated: “Through our efforts aiding men, women, and children in the asylum process, we have seen that many are severely traumatized and experience feelings of isolation, making it difficult for them to access necessary assistance. Some are in such dire straits that they resort to self-harm and contemplate suicide.”
He stated that it is crucial for an unaffiliated assessment to be conducted on this fatality in order for knowledge to be gained.
The charity Care4Calais has criticised conditions on the barge. Steve Smith, the organisation’s chief executive, said:
“We have observed a significant decline in the mental well-being of individuals who are being isolated from the rest of the community. Numerous instances of suicidal thoughts among residents have been reported by us, but no measures have been taken to address the issue.”
According to Ann Salter, who represents the human rights organization Freedom from Torture, the recent tragedy serves as a reminder that the government’s harsh policies towards refugees not only show cruelty but also result in loss of life.
The general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, Matt Wrack, urged for the shutdown of the ship. “Although we do not yet know the details of the death, there are legitimate worries about the safety of keeping individuals on a floating jail against their will.”
He stated that the ministers must put an end to this cruel practice without delay.
Mayor of Portland, Carralyn Parkes, expressed her deep sadness over the passing of anyone on the Bibby Stockholm, regardless of the cause of death.
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In the United Kingdom and Ireland, individuals can reach out to Samaritans by calling 116 123 for free, or by emailing [email protected] or [email protected]. In the United States, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be contacted through 988 for calls or texts, or through chatting on 988lifeline.org. Crisis counselors can also be reached by texting HOME to 741741. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline can be reached at 13 11 14. For other international helplines, please visit befrienders.org.
Source: theguardian.com
