The Prime Minister’s official spokesman confirmed the reported death was being investigated.
He said: “Everyone arriving on Bibby Stockholm has a medical assessment, they are continually monitored when staying in the accommodation and are given any necessary support as you would rightly expect.”
There are understood to be 300 male asylum seekers housed on the barge. It has a capacity for up to 500 migrants, who are expected to share two, three or four to a cabin.
The Bibby Stockholm has been blighted by problems since it was docked at Portland in July, including a series of health and safety issues.
The Fire Brigade Union raised “serious fire and operational safety concerns” about the potential for overcrowding on the repurposed barge.
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.”
A lawyer representing another migrant on the boat has also confirmed the death, as has the Care4Calais charity.
Steve Smith, CEO of Care4Calais 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.”
Mr Smith added: “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. They are being separated from the rest of society and we have witnessed a serious deterioration of people’s mental health. We have regularly been reporting suicidal intentions amongst residents and no action is taken.
“This can no longer continue. Asylum seekers are human beings, many of whom have experienced the worst traumas imaginable through war, torture and persecution. It’s time our political leaders treated them as human beings, listened to the trauma they have experienced and offered them sanctuary. The Government’s proxy-war against refugees is costing lives.”
In August as many as 20 migrants blocked their move from hotels onto the barge with some citing a “severe fear of water”.
Their transfer from taxpayer-funded hotels to the Bibby Stockholm was stopped after lawyers backed by the Care4Calais charity said the migrants were too traumatised to be moved.
The barge is a key part of the Government’s efforts to reduce the hotel bill for migrants which has run into millions of pounds each day.
