Asylum seekers evacuated from the Bibby Stockholm have told of their fear at being returned to the barge next week, describing it as a “death trap” that felt “like a prison”.
Some 39 migrants were moved off the barge in August after the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease was discovered in its water supply.
The Home Office have now started to send letters to those asylum seekers, who were moved into hotels, to confirm that they will be moved back on next week.
The barge, which is based at Portland Port in Dorset, has had “satisfactory” test results for legionella, meaning the bacteria is no longer on board.
In a statement made through a local support group, one of the refugees said that the barge “caused me mental and physical difficulties”.
He added: “All the media wrote about the discovery of the Legionella disease, I lived there for four days- ate and drank there, took showers. I put my mental and physical health at risk.
“In a letter the Home Office sent me they told me I am not a prisoner there and that I am free, but the high walls, strict security measures and restrictions on entry and exit made it feel like a prison and I do not sense freedom there.”
Another asylum seeker told the volunteers that he wanted the quick processing of his claim, adding: “They want to send us back to the ship, but we don’t want to be prisoners. We want to work, study and be like ordinary citizens. The government has now interviewed us for nearly a year. Why are they taking so long to process them?”
Another said: “The stress of being returned to the barge is truly weighing on us.”
A spokesperson said: “The Home Office has started to send letters to asylum seekers to confirm the re-embarkation of the Bibby Stockholm and notify them that they will be accommodated on board, following the vessel completing all necessary tests.
“The letters confirm the next steps for asylum seekers and reiterate that all asylum accommodation continues to be offered on a no-choice basis.
“Delivering alternative accommodation sites, such as the vessel, is more affordable for taxpayers and more manageable for communities, due to healthcare and catering facilities on site, 24/7 security and the purpose-built safe accommodation they provide.”
The Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge at Portland Port in Dorset— (PA Wire)
It comes as a one-day hearing took place in the High Court on Tuesday to consider whether a legal challenge against the barge can go ahead.
Portland Town councillor, Carralyn Parkes, who lives in the town, asked the High Court to consider whether the Home Office’s decision to place the barge in the port - without applying for planning permission - is unlawful.
Officials have been scrambling to carry out urgent health and safety improvements on the barge since the evacuation and after a fire inspection by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service called for five urgent changes, including the need for more fire escapes.
Last month, a blue metal footbridge resembling a fire escape was installed while electrical units and other packaged goods were brought on board.
The improvements were the latest twist in the government project initially launched to save money by getting asylum seekers out of Home Office hotels – currently costing more than £6 million a day.
The vessel was put forward as one of several “alternative sites”, including disused military bases and a former prison, with plans to eventually house up to 500 migrants.
The scheme is part of one of Rishi Sunak’s priorities to “stop the boats” and clear the UK’s “legacy” asylum backlog by the end of 2023.
