Nine young men have been found inside a freight container at Rosslare Europort in the Republic of Ireland.
They were discovered this morning and are believed to have been in the container for up to four days.
Emergency services were alerted to the discovery at the Wexford port this morning and paramedics initially treated the men at the scene.
They have since been transferred to Wexford General Hospital.
While they are not believed to be seriously injured, they are being medically assessed.
Initial indications are that the men gained access to the container in France on Thursday and spent four days inside prior to being discovered.
It’s understood the men are originally from eastern Africa. Gardaí are also carrying out inquiries into the incident.
A garda spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána at Wexford Garda Station have commenced an investigation following the discovery of nine people in a shipping container at Rosslare Europort at approximately 10:30am this morning Monday, 27th January 2025.
“Gardaí were alerted to the presence of a number of people inside a shipping container at Rosslare Europort.
“Gardaí and emergency services located the nine males and they have been assessed by medical personnel.
“Eight have been deemed to be in good health while one male is receiving further medical assessment at a hospital in the south east of the country for non-life threatening injuries.
“Gardaí attached to Wexford Garda Station, supported by the Garda National Immigration Bureau, are investigating all of the circumstances of this incident. Anyone with any information in relation to this discovery is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station 053-9165200, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 66 11 or any Garda Station.”
Last October two men were found hiding in a van that had arrived at Rosslare Europort.
They were in good health and provided with state supports, while two other men were arrested as part of the people smuggling operation.
The previous March seven males were discovered inside a trailer at the same port.