Bibby Stockholm asylum barge is ‘potential deathtrap’, warn firefighters

Overcrowding and insufficient security provision will place the lives of asylum seekers in danger if they’re moved on to the Bibby Stockholm barge of the coast of Portland in Dorset, a senior firefighter has warned – describing the vessel as a “potential deathtrap”.

Ben Selby, assistant basic secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) was commenting after the Government was compelled to postpone plans to put the primary group of males on the ship, which is provided with 222 cabins, following the intervention of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Meanwhile Mayor of Portland Carralyn Parkes branded the Home Office “inconsistent”, insisting the barge was “not suitable”.

Speaking yesterday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defended the plan, saying Bibby Stockholm was going via a collection of checks earlier than it may home asylum seekers following a delay.

However, his optimism was not shared by others, not least Mr Selby, who voiced severe issues about entry to fireplace exits and overcrowding fireplace exits which he mentioned had been raised to him by his members.

The Bibby Stockholm’s cabins are situated in slender corridors unfold over three decks, with two fireplace exits, Mr Selby identified.

He informed the Guardian: “As the only professional voice, firefighters believe the Bibby Stockholm to be a potential deathtrap.”

Safety campaigner Nicola David has echoed his issues, final month warning the ship had the potential to be a “floating Grenfell”, in reference to the 2017 London tower block blaze through which 72 folks died.

The plans have additionally prompted vociferous protests from residents of Portland.

Ms Parkes mentioned the Home Office, led by Home Secretary Suella Braverman, had been “inconsistent and opaque” in its decision-making and was making an attempt to “rush through” the proposal with out correct session and consideration”.

She insisted: “The Bibby Stockholm is not a suitable place to house asylum seekers.

“It is still not too late to stop this. Human beings belong in communities.”

Speaking on Monday, Graham Kewley, Fire Safety Manager, Group Manager with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, mentioned: “Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) continues to liaise with partner agencies, the Bibby Stockholm’s operator and the Home Office through the Multi-Agency Forum and relevant subgroups.

“We have provided advice and comment in relation to fire safety arrangements to both the Home Office and the vessels operators during our familiarisation and pre-occupation visits.”

Speaking to reporters on the Great British Beer Festival in west London’s Olympia yesterday, Mr Sunak mentioned: “All migrant lodging has to undergo a collection of checks and inspections to ensure it complies with regulation, that is what’s occurring on this case.

“But let’s take a step back, this is ultimately about fairness. I don’t think it’s fair that British taxpayers are forking out six million quid a day to house illegal migrants in hotels – I want to put an end to that.”

Asked on Sky News yesterday when the barge could be obtainable, Transport Minister Richard Holden mentioned: “It’s going through its final checks at the moment. It’s right that… whatever accommodation we provide is safe and secure as well. I can’t put a timeframe on it.”

“It’s going through final checks at the moment. With anything you’d want them to be properly checked out.”

Asked why there was no timeframe, he added: “The checks are going to take as long as they’re going to take.

“It’s necessary we get these items proper.

“I can’t comment on the ongoing process of checks and things that have to take place but it is my understanding it is in its final checks.”