The British government confirmed this week that 39 asylum seekers were transferred to the Bibby Stockholm barge, where water tests detected legionella bacteria. Legionella, a microbe commonly found in stagnant water, can cause lung infections, fever, and respiratory symptoms if inhaled in aerosols. The analyses were conducted shortly before the individuals were moved aboard, and the full results only appeared after the transfers had begun. At no point did any of the 39 display symptoms of illness according to official updates.
The Home Office stated that legionella levels prompted a deeper on-board investigation and explained that the evacuation was a precautionary measure. Officials stressed that there was no indication of risk extending to Portland, the port community, or fresh water entering the vessel. They noted that infection with legionella is not spread person-to-person and emphasized that the ongoing work follows guidance from health authorities. The government is coordinating with the Health Security Agency to address the issue in line with established health protocols. [Citation: UK Health Security Agency, current guidance, official communiques].
previous warnings
Local health officials had glimpsed concerns about the boat’s conditions before the first group arrived. There were warnings about potential increased risk of disease on board, though officials insisted the vessel met safety standards. The Bibby Stockholm is designed to house up to 506 men aged 18 to 65, with many in the cohort awaiting asylum decisions and transfer assessments. These precautions reflect a broader government approach to asylum processing and the use of temporary accommodation during a busy period for visa and refugee operations. [Citation: Local government advisories, public health briefings].
The ship’s relocation to the Portland port drew immediate resistance from nearby authorities and residents worried about pressures on public services. Westminster officials pledged compensation to affected communities, including a per-person payment and a one-time grant to local councils aimed at supporting refugee-related activities and language courses. Refugee advocacy groups, however, criticized the plan, calling the barge a cramped and inhumane holding space and urging alternatives that would improve living conditions for those displaced. [Citation: Local council statements, NGO statements].
Official plans, while continuing, aim to reduce costs associated with housing asylum seekers in hotels, using the Bibby Stockholm and other barges or disused military sites as temporary accommodations. The broader strategy remains a subject of debate among policymakers, residents, and humanitarian groups, highlighting tensions between urgent shelter needs and concerns about welfare, public health, and community impact. [Citation: Government briefings, independent reviews].