Ireland: Migrants found in truck at Rosslare port

A tragedy surely narrowly avoided in Ireland: 14 people were discovered – alive – in the refrigerated trailer of a truck. The vehicle from France was arriving at the port of Rosslare in southeastern Ireland.

Freight and truck trucks depart from the port of Rosslare Harbour, in Rosslare, southeast Ireland, January 27, 2021. (Illustrative photo) AFP - PAUL FAITH

By: RFI Follow

Advertising

Read More

With our correspondent in Dublin, Clémence Pénard

Nine men, three women, and two children, a total of 14 people, were found safe and sound.

It was the British police who were first alerted by a distress call made by one of them, while they were still hidden in the lorry, itself transported by a ferry, to Ireland.

When the boat docks at Rosslare Harbour, many ambulances are present. Medical staff feared hypothermia for some in this refrigerated trailer or the risk of dehydration or even asphyxiation.

But all of them seem to be in good health.

According to the police, the investigation is ongoing: they are mainly nationals of Kurdish and Vietnamese origin.

Relieved that the incident did not end in tragedy, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said their asylum claim would be processed as quickly as possible.

Read alsoIreland announces a reform of its immigration system

NewsletterGet all the latest international news straight to your inbox

Subscribe now

Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI app

Share:

Read on the same topics:

  • Ireland
  • Immigration
  • France