The translator of Sikh families found in a shipping container in Britain says they were trapped in darkness without fresh air for 18 hours.
The group of Afghan Sikhs arrived at Tilbury Docks, Essex, a port east of London, on August 16 on a ship from Belgium.
One man was found dead and the other 34 survivors, including 13 children, suffered dehydration and hypothermia.
Kamaljit Singh Mataharu, a translator used by police, told ITV News television that there were 15 families inside, all from Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, who had made it to Europe in a truck.
He said the group was fleeing persecution in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan's 3,000-member Sikh community has endured a long history of religious discrimination and harassment.
The Home Office said all 34 survivors were in the process of claiming asylum in Britain.