The Bibby Stockholm barge for asylum seekers has been listed on a travel website with the option to book a stay – complete with breakfast and a trip to the sauna.
The barge, in Portland Port, Dorset, was advertised on Booking.com – with a BBC journalist able to book a double room on the barge.
But the listing has since been confirmed as “a joke”, and the listing taken down by the website.
Bibby Stockholm was described on the website as having a garden and offering views of Dorset’s Jurassic coast.
It said that there was “breakfast included” and one night for two adults was £85.
The listing also said towels and bed linen were included on board the craft as well as a continental, American or vegetarian breakfast “every morning at the property”.
It said that residents had access to a sauna and swimming pool, reports the BBC
A journalist was able to book a double room on the barge for Monday night for a total of £93.78, though that payment has yet to be processed.
The Home Office confirmed it had not made the vessel available for public bookings.
The man who made the listing on Booking.com, who did not give his name, told the BBC it was “definitely a joke” and he “did not think they would take it seriously”.
Express.co.uk has approached Booking.com and The Home Office for comment.
Protesters gathered near the controversial Bibby Stockholm barge – after the migrants being housed on board had to be moved to other accommodation after Legionella was discovered.
Last week the Home Office removed the 39 people being housed on board the barge after tests carried out on the water supply in July revealed the bacteria.
One placard said “No Barge, Stop the Boats” and another demanded “No to unvetted men” – while others took aim at Portland Port Chief Bill Reeves and called for a stop to “Bill’s Barge”.
