AN asylum seeker on board the Bibby Stockholm barge docked in Dorset has reportedly taken his own life, according to an MP.
Two ambulances and three police vehicles rushed to the Portland-based vessel this morning after reports of a "sudden death" just before 6.30am.
It's understood that authorities are still investigating if the person took their own life with no official confirmation.
Richard Drax, the MP for South Dorset who has opposed plans to accommodate migrants on the barge, told The Times: “I can confirm that tragically there has been a suicide.
"I am in close contact with the Home Office. Local organisations are investigating what’s happened. This is very sad news, anyone taking their life is very tragic.”
There were three police vehicles and two ambulances outside of the Bibby Stockholm barge, though those on board were "kept in the dark" about what had happened for over an hour.
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Floral tributes have been laid for the tragic migrant who died today on the controversial Bibby Stockholm migrant barge.
One message reads: "So very sad that one of our friends from a distant land has died today.
"May you rest in peace.
"Your friends at the Portland Global Friendship Group."
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Charity Care 4 Calais has criticised the conditions on the barge after the death of the asylum seeker.
Steve Smith, the organisation's chief executive, said: "Our thoughts are with the person who has lost their life, their family and their friends. It is also with all those stuck on board the Bibby Stockholm who will be experiencing a deep feeling of grief and worry today.
"The UK Government must take responsibility for this human tragedy. They have wilfully ignored the trauma they are inflicting on people who are sent to the Bibby Stockholm, and the hundreds being accommodated in former military barracks."
Speaking to LBC News, CEO Mr Smith added: "My information, subject to confirmation, is they took their own life," but he stressed the charity was "still seeking confirmation."
Home Secretary James Cleverly has said that the death of the asylum seeker would be investigated "fully".
Mr Cleverly told MPs in the Commons: "Tragically, there has been (a) death on the Bibby Stockholm barge. I'm sure that the thoughts of the whole House, like mine, are with those affected.
"The House will understand that at this stage I am uncomfortable getting into any more details. But we will of course investigate fully."
The barge has been controversial - with many protests taking place since its arrival in July.
In August, 39 asylum seekers who had been placed on the Bibby Stockholm said conditions were so bad one tried to attempt suicide.
In response to the protests, a spokesperson for the Home Office said: “This is part of the government’s pledge to reduce the use of expensive hotels and bring forward alternative accommodation options which provide a more cost-effective, sustainable and manageable system for the UK taxpayer and local communities.”
It comes as Rishi Sunak made a last-ditch plea for Tory rebels to back his Rwanda plan as tonight's crunch vote goes down to the wire.
But sceptical right-wing MPs have demanded the PM makes a new offer this afternoon - or risk a massive revolt.
At a bacon butty breakfast this morning Mr Sunak told hardliners that his emergency Rwanda Bill WILL get flights off the ground.
He followed it up with public appeal to right-wing factions threatening to torpedo the legislation, saying: "To stop the boats, we need to back this bill."
It comes after migrants were moved off the barge in August after potentially deadly Legionella bacteria was found.
After two months of checks, asylum seekers were sent back on board the 500-bed vessel in October.
A Dorset Police spokesperson said: "At 6.22am on Tuesday 12 December 2023, Dorset Police received a report of a sudden death of a resident on the Bibby Stockholm.
"Officers are conducting enquiries into the circumstances of the incident. The coroner’s office has been notified of the death."
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A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are aware of reporting of an incident involving an asylum seeker on the Bibby Stockholm.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time”
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