Barge Asylum Seeker Arrival Delayed at ‘11th hour’ Over Fire Fears

Around 50 illegal immigrants were due to be moved on to the Bibby Stockholm vessel but plans have been postponed by Home Office

The Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge pictured docked in Portland, Dorset on July 21, 2023. PA Media

The arrival of asylum seekers to a barge in Dorset was delayed at the “11th hour” over fire safety concerns, campaigners have said.

According to Stand Up To Racism Dorset, the Home Office had been “intent” on moving 50 migrants onto the Bibby Stockholm on Tuesday, but delayed the plans at the last minute.