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    Nine Migrants, Including Somalis, Found Trapped in Irish Port Shipping Container

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    Somali Magazine - People's Magazine

    Nine migrants, including individuals from Somalia and Eritrea, were discovered trapped in a shipping container at Rosslare Europort in County Wexford, Ireland, after spending four harrowing days without food or water. The group, who had been deceived by human traffickers with promises of safe passage to the United Kingdom, was rescued on Monday morning after contacting authorities for help.

    Upon their discovery, medical personnel assessed the migrants at the port, confirming they were in stable condition. However, two minors required hospitalization for non-life-threatening injuries. The group, aged between 16 and 27, had reportedly paid over €2,000 each to traffickers who misled them about their route. Instead of arriving in the UK, they were transported to Ireland.

    Abdiaziz Ahmed Muse, a Somali community leader in Ireland, told the BBC that the situation could have ended in tragedy. “One of the migrants managed to make a phone call, which led police to discover that nine men were inside the container. Two received medical treatment on-site, and another was hospitalized,” he said.

    The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) has launched an international investigation to identify the individuals responsible for facilitating the migrants’ dangerous journey. Authorities suspect that human traffickers operating across Africa and Europe orchestrated the operation. Preliminary findings suggest that the container originated from Dunkirk, France, where the migrants were believed to have boarded before enduring four to five days in dire conditions.

    Irish immigration officials have confirmed that six of the nine men were denied entry and deported to France. One individual has applied for asylum, a request that will be processed by the International Protection Office (IPO). Meanwhile, two minors have been placed under the care of Tusla, Ireland’s child protection agency.

    Rosslare Europort, one of Ireland’s busiest cargo hubs, has become an increasingly frequent target for human smuggling operations. Authorities have noted a sharp rise in similar incidents over recent years. In March 2024, seven Eritrean migrants were found concealed in a trailer at the port, and a year earlier, 14 Kurdish migrants from Iran and Iraq were discovered hidden in a trailer from Zeebrugge, Belgium. Despite state support for some cases, many remain unaccounted for.

    The port’s strategic importance as a freight and passenger gateway has made it a critical transit point for smuggling networks seeking to transport migrants into Ireland and the United Kingdom. Over the past two years, freight traffic at Rosslare has surged by 53%, further complicating efforts to monitor and secure the port.

    The discovery of the trapped migrants underscores the broader challenges of irregular migration across Europe. In 2023, the United Kingdom received 329,035 asylum applications, making it the fifth most sought-after destination globally. Spain recorded 160,460 applications, followed by France with 145,095 and Italy with 130,565.

    Advocacy groups warn that the ongoing migration crisis is driven by conflict, economic instability, and human rights violations, with displaced individuals increasingly resorting to dangerous smuggling routes. Tiffy Allen, director of Places of Sanctuary Ireland, highlighted the desperation of those seeking refuge. “These cases reflect the severe risks faced by people fleeing conflict and hardship, with global displacement now exceeding 120 million people,” she said.

    Authorities continue to warn that smuggling networks are exploiting vulnerable individuals, urging European governments to bolster border security and establish legal pathways for migration. Without decisive action, experts fear that future tragedies may be inevitable as more individuals risk their lives for the hope of safety and a better future.

     

     

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