Man Found Dead on Accommodation Vessel in Portland Port

Dorset Police have confirmed the death of a 27-year-old man aboard an accommodation vessel at Portland Port on December 12. The man, identified as Leonard Farruku from Albania, was found dead, and an investigation into his sudden death is underway. The senior coroner for Dorset, Rachael Griffin, has also confirmed that an inquest into his death will open on Thursday, December 21.

The preliminary hearing, which will establish the deceased’s identity, location of death, and potentially the cause of death, will be adjourned for a full hearing at a later date.

According to The Daily Telegraph, Leonard Farruku paid 4000 euros to cross the English Channel on a small boat in order to reach the country. His sister, Jola Dushku, revealed that he had informed her about the poor treatment by guards, stating, “When I spoke with him last time, he told me that the conditions in that boat were not bad but they were treated by the guards like animals.” However, the exact circumstances of his death are still unknown.

Cost of Bibby Stockholm Contract Revealed

In a letter to MPs, Home Office permanent secretary Sir Matthew Rycroft disclosed that the Bibby Stockholm contract cost £22,450,772. This amount covers the “vessel accommodation services” provided by operators CTM. Rycroft mentioned that an assessment of whether the vessel offered value for money is currently being updated.

The Accommodation Vessel and Controversy Surrounding It

The accommodation vessel, Bibby Stockholm, is the first of its kind to be used in the government’s efforts to reduce the cost of asylum accommodation. It has the capacity to house up to 500 single men in approximately 200 bedrooms. Asylum seekers were initially relocated to the barge in August, but they were evacuated shortly after due to the discovery of Legionella in the water supply, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease. They were brought back to the barge two months later.

The plan to use such accommodation facilities for asylum seekers has faced significant opposition, leading to legal challenges and protests. Critics argue that it is cruel and inhumane. Charities have called for an independent review and an end to the use of these facilities for asylum accommodation, highlighting the poor conditions on board.

The death of Leonard Farruku has further intensified the criticism surrounding the use of the accommodation vessel. Charities are urging for a thorough investigation into his death and are calling for reforms in the asylum accommodation system.

The investigation into Leonard Farruku’s death continues, and more details are expected to emerge during the inquest. The incident has once again brought attention to the challenges faced by asylum seekers and the need for improved conditions and support systems.