Aerial view of the Bibby Stockholm immigration barge at Portland Port in Dorset which has remained empty since the asylum seekers were evacuated on 11th August 2023 due to the discovery of the deadly legionella bacteria in the water system.

Work to repair and cleanse the water pipes has taken place with a recent test for the bacteria coming back as satisfactory.

An additional fire escape gangway has also been added due to safety concerns by the fire service.

It is expected that the barge will be occupied again in the coming weeks, but this may depend on the outcome of a legal challenge against the plans to house 500 asylum seekers on the cramped Bibby Stockholm barge which is set to go before a judge at the Royal Courts of Justice on 10th October.