Asylum seekers have been moved off the Bibby Stockholm after bacteria was found in the water.

The Home Office confirmed that Legionella has been found in the water on the Bibby Stockholm barge at Portland Port, now in Dorset after leaving Cornwall last month.

Legionella bacteria can cause a serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) called Legionnaires’ disease.

All 39 asylum seekers are being disembarked from the barge as a precaution.

The barge has been at Portland in Dorset for less than a month, after leaving Falmouth in Cornwall in the middle of July following a major refit at the docks by A&P Falmouth, while asylum seekers were only moved onboard at the start of this week. 

A Home Office spokesperson said: "The health and welfare of individuals on the vessel is our utmost priority.

"Environmental samples from the water system on the Bibby Stockholm have shown levels of legionella bacteria which require further investigation.

"Following these results, the Home Office has been working closely with UKHSA and following its advice in line with long-established public health processes, and ensuring all protocol from Dorset Council's Environmental Health team and Dorset NHS is adhered to.

"As a precautionary measure, all 39 asylum seekers who arrived on the vessel this week are being disembarked while further assessments are undertaken.

"No individuals on board have presented with symptoms of Legionnaires', and asylum seekers are being provided with appropriate advice and support.

"The samples taken relate only to the water system on the vessel itself and therefore carry no direct risk indication for the wider community of Portland nor do they relate to fresh water entering the vessel. Legionnaires' disease does not spread from person to person."

Sky News has reported that no migrants have fallen sick or developed Legionnaires' disease, which is a serious type of pneumonia.

On Monday, after weeks of delays caused by safety concerns, local opposition and legal challenges, the first 15 asylum seekers boarded the Bibby Stockholm barge, with more following. 

Around 50 people were expected to move onboard the giant vessel, docked in Portland Port in Dorset, but around 20 did not board after a series of legal challenges.