Up to 16 people found alive in container on ship bound for Wexford

Breaking news.

Up to 16 people have been found alive in a container on a ferry which is headed for Rosslare Europort in Wexford. The people were discovered in a lorry container on a ferry from Cherbourg in France. In a statement issued by Stena Line on Thursday, the ferry company said an employee discovered the 16 people hiding in a sealed trailer during a routine inspection. The people were moved to a private passenger lounge to assess their wellbeing and security and immigration officials were alerted. Ian Hampton, Stena Line’s Chief People & Communications Officer said: "During the Stena Horizon’s 9pm sailing from Cherbourg France to Rosslare in the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday, 20 November, one of our employees during a routine inspection discovered 16 people in a sealed trailer on the vehicle deck. "All the individuals are reported to be in good health and have been moved to a private passenger lounge on the ship where their wellbeing is the focus of our employees. Stena Line has alerted security and immigration officials in Rosslare so as the necessary arrangements can be made for the group on the vessel’s arrival in Rosslare. The vessel is scheduled to arrive at approximately 3.30pm today Thursday, 21 November.” More to follow.