Today marks one year since the death by suicide of Leonard Farruku, taken to live on the Bibby Stockholm Barge against his will.
Community volunteers from Portland Global Friendship Group gathered to remember him today and shared their thoughts. We also walked to the port to let them know why we had gathered today.
So, so very sad.
A message from Salah—one of the people on the barge
Such a tragic and heartbreaking loss. Rest in peace, Leonard Farruku. This brings back vivid memories for me—it was the very day I was moved to the Bibby Stockholm barge. I arrived on Monday, December 11th, at 5 PM after a long, tiring journey from London. I was stressed and had no idea where I was being taken. After arriving, I went straight to bed, exhausted.
The next morning, I got up early, had coffee in the kitchen, and thought of using the computer room. But when I tried to enter, there were police inside questioning someone. I returned to the kitchen, and that’s when someone told me about Leonard Farruku’s death. I was shocked—I had just arrived and hadn’t heard anything about it. It was deeply saddening.
Later, I went to Weymouth to get some fresh air and escape the tense atmosphere on the barge. I had coffee near the beach with my roommate, but returning to the barge at lunchtime, the conversations about Leonard’s tragic death were everywhere. It was such a heavy and heartbreaking moment.
Portland Global Friendship Group, you have played such an important role in supporting those of us on the barge during these difficult times.
Thank you for your compassion and humanity.
