Tanker stow aways arrested for‘ threats’
SHIPPING: Seven stowaways detained after British special services stormed an oil tanker off the Isle of Wight have been arrested on suspicion of seizing or exercising control of a ship by use of threats or force.
The raid was carried out by around 16 members of the Special Boat Service backed by airborne snipers.
SEVEN NIGERIAN stowaways detained after British special services stormed an oil tanker off the Isle of Wight have been arrested on suspicion of seizing or exercising control of a ship by use of threats or force, police have confirmed.
The raid was carried out by around 16 members of the Special Boat Service ( SBS), backed by airborne snipers, who secured the vessel in around nine minutes late on Sunday.
The operation was authorised by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Home Secretary Priti Patel after a tense 10- hour stand- off.
According to maritime tracking websites, the ship reached port in Southampton early yesterday morning.
Hampshire Police said the force was alerted to concerns over the welfare of the crew of the 748ft ( 228m) Nave Andromeda soon after 10am on Sunday as the ship headed towards Southampton, having set sail from Lagos in Nigeria.
A force spokesman said: “The seven men have been arrested on suspicion of seizing or exercising control of a ship by use of threats or force under Sections 9( 1) and ( 3) of the Aviation and Maritime and Security Act 1990. They all remain in custody at police stations across Hampshire.
“All 22 crew members are safe and well and the vessel is now alongside in the port of Southampton. Investigators are speaking to the crew members to establish the exact circumstances of what happened.”
The Ministry of Defence said: “In response to a police request, the Defence Secretary and Home Secretary authorised armed forces personnel to board a ship in the English Channel to safeguard life and secure a ship that was subject to suspected hijacking.
“Armed forces have gained control of the ship and seven individuals have been detained.
“Police investigations will now continue. Initial reports confirm the crew are safe and well.”
The seven stowaways detained are understood to be Nigerian nationals who have been handed over to the force.
The ship’s operator, Navios Tanker Management, said the stowaways “illegally boarded” the Liberian- flagged tanker in Lagos.
“The UK authorities had been advised by the master that stowaways had been found on board and that he was concerned for the safety of the crew due to the increasingly hostile behaviour of the stowaways,” a statement said.
“Happily no crew members were injured and all are safe and well. Navios Tanker Management wish to thank all the UK authorities involved in this operation for their timely and professional response.”