There are reports that the Legionella bacteria has been found in the water supply of the Bibby Stockholm barge where 39 asylum seekers are being housed.
Reports say that it is believed routine tests had been carried out prior to migrants boarding, but the results of the tests were known only after they had moved on to the barge.
The current cohort of migrants, who have not shown any symptoms of infection, have temporarily disembarked as a precaution.
UPDATE: A statement issued by Dorset Council confirms that the samples taken relate only to the water system on the vessel itself, not the fresh water entering the vessel, therefore there is no risk for the wider community of Portland.
The Legionella bacteria which can cause Legionnaires’ disease does not spread from person to person and can only be contracted from contaminated water, usually when it is inhaled in aerosol form.
Local campaign group, Stand Up to Racism, is calling for its use to house refugees to cease immediately.
Lynne Hubbard, co-chair of Stand Up to Racism Dorset said, ” This is evidence that the barge should not be used to house people. It is not safe and it is inhumane.”
“Legionella should have been picked up in the routine checks done on the barge only a week ago. The refugees’ arrival had to be postponed more than once over other safety concerns.”
“All of the men on board had just been uprooted this week from their previous accommodation and the contacts they had made in the community there. Some of them were threatened in order to encourage them to move. Now after just a few days to settle into the barge they are being moved again. This is a very cruel way to treat people fleeing from war and persecution. ”
