In a statement, a spokesperson for Britain's Home Office said the asylum seekers had been removed as "a precautionary measure".
"The samples taken relate only to the water system on the vessel itself and therefore carry no direct risk indication for the wider community of Portland nor do they relate to fresh water entering the vessel."The Bibby Stockholm's use as an accommodation barge for asylum seekers has sparked significant debate in UK this week.
It had hoped to send more than 500 single men to the Bibby Stockholm, which it touted as a more cost-effective form of temporary housing.Management onboard the barge is being handled by CTM, a global travel company with its headquarters in Australia.