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An asylum seeker thought to have taken his own life on board the Bibby Stockholm barge was heard “screaming, shouting and punching walls” before being found dead, it has been claimed.
The body of the man, yet to be identified, was discovered on the vessel early on Tuesday morning, Dorset Police have said.
At lunchtime, flowers were laid at the gated entrance to Portland Port, where the three-storey vessel, a temporary home to around 350 migrants, is docked.
The boat was controversially reopened for asylum seekers by the Home Office in October.
But local groups, such as the Portland Global Friendship Group, which provides activities on land for the men, have long raised concerns over the conditions onboard.
Heather, from the Portland Global Friendship Group, next to flowers laid in memory of the man who died on the Bibby Stockholm vessel
(The Independent)
Speaking to The Independent at the gates to the harbour, Heather, from the friendship group, said the man’s death was “so predictable”.
She said: “I got a call at 6.44am from one of the men on board saying that something really weird had happened and that there were police on the ship.
“It soon emerged that a man had killed himself.”
She added: “The guys have been telling me that the man was screaming, shouting and punching walls all night and the security officers were telling him to shut up.
“It’s just typical of everything we’ve been hearing. I feel like it could have been a cry for help. Some of the men make best with what they have got, but others are lost souls.
“It was all just so predictable.”
The docked vessel has been at the centre of controversy ever since it arrived at the south coast port. A week after opening to asylum seekers, it was closed after the discovery of Legionella bacteria in the water supply.
The men share bedroom accommodation and have access to an onsite gym. They are allowed to leave via an hourly double-decker bus service which takes them to Portland or the nearby town of Weymouth, from 9am to 5pm.
Portland councillor Giovanna Lewis told The Independent that the men on board were “stunned and shocked” by the death.
Councillor Lewis said: “The message is loud and clear. These men should never be housed on a secluded boat off the coast, they are vulnerable and mentally damaged people who need our care.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “The welfare of all those in our care is of the utmost importance, and we take our responsibility for their wellbeing incredibly seriously.”
The vessel is operated by a company called Corporate Travel Management, which the Home Office say outsource security to a firm called Landry & Kling.
A spokesperson from Landry & Kling said: “The welfare of those onboard the Bibby Stockholm is our primary concern and we are working with all appropriate agencies to support the investigation. Our thoughts are with those affected by the death of a resident today.”
The prime minister’s official spokesman said on the incident: “There has been and continues to be support available to those on the Bibby, as it is indeed available [to those] in other forms of accommodation.
“Everyone has a medical assessment, including for emotional trauma.
“They are monitored for further support, any vulnerabilities are recognised and supported, there are trained staff available.
“So, all of that support will continue in light of this tragic incident.”
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
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