Irish authorities have initiated a human trafficking investigation following a concerning discovery in County Wexford. A total of 14 individuals were found inside a shipping container at Rosslare Europort at 03:00 local time on Monday. The container had arrived on a ferry from Zeebrugge.
Irish police, known as Gardaí, received prior notification from UK authorities about the impending arrival of the container. Consequently, a plan was put in place to respond to the situation as it unfolded.
The group found within the container consists of nine men, three women, and two girls. Fortunately, they have all been examined by medical professionals and are reported to be in good health.
Initial reports suggest that the individuals originate from various countries, including Iran, Iraq, Vietnam, and Turkey. The group reportedly includes Kurdish individuals from Iran and Iraq.
The discovery came after a distress call was made by a Kurdish woman inside the container to police in Cornwall. Subsequently, the ship’s captain ordered a search of the vessel, leading to the discovery of the migrants.
Currently, the individuals are under the care of the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS), and Ireland’s child and family agency, Tusla, is also involved in their welfare.
The human trafficking investigation is being led by Gardaí in Wexford, with support from the Garda National Immigration Bureau. Irish authorities are collaborating with law enforcement agencies in the UK, France, and Belgium, as well as international organizations like Europol and Interpol.
Interpreters are assisting Gardaí during interviews with the migrants, as they seek to determine how the individuals gained access to the refrigerated container. It is believed that they may have breached the container to access oxygen during their journey.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar emphasized a humanitarian approach, stating, “Our first response is always a humanitarian one – to check that they are alive and in good health, and my understanding is that they are.” He added that the individuals have the choice to apply for asylum or voluntarily return to their home countries. In cases of asylum applications, the Irish government aims to expedite the processing of these requests.
