The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) is advising its members involved in international haulage to be vigilant in carrying out vehicle checks, in circumstances where they are travelling by ferry. The warning comes in the wake of the Essex tragedy, where 39 stowaways lost their lives.

IRHA President Verona Murphy said she was “shocked and saddened to hear of the level of loss of human life in such tragic circumstances.”

“I’d like to take this opportunity to remind our Members to ensure that their drivers carry out their vehicle checks with utmost vigilance, in circumstances where they are travelling by ferry, at every appropriate opportunity.”

“We do not yet know the details of how this container was transported and by what route and no assumptions can be made. However, the potentially horrendous consequences for migrants attempting to stow away on passing vehicles must be kept in mind, as well as the safety of drivers, at all times. It is a difficult part of our job as hauliers but it is a constant risk and can only be dealt with in a vigilant and professional manner.”

Irish Road Haulage Association

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