Last updated: 33 mins ago
'Military called in' after stowaways make threats to crew on Southampton-bound tanker - live updates
- ''Police have confirmed an incident on board a vessel off the Isle of Wight following reports of an attempted hijacking of an oil tanker.
- The incident is reported to have taken place aboard the Liberian-registered Nave Andromeda crude oil tanker south of Sandown.
7:52pm
Police have requested military assistance in responding to reports of stowaways threatening the crew on board a crude oil tanker off the Isle of Wight.
The Press Association is reporting that Hampshire Police made the request as it deals with the unfolding situation on board the 228-metre Nave Andromeda.
Concerns were raised with police over the welfare of the ship’s crew, shortly after 10am on Sunday, the force said.
7:12pm
We have a significant update.
A Hampshire police spokesman said: “At 10.04am today (25 October) concerns were raised to police for the welfare of crew on board the Nave Andromeda – a vessel situated approximately six miles off the coast of Bembridge, Isle of Wight.
“The vessel had been travelling in the direction of Southampton.
“It was reported that a number of stowaways were on board, and they had made verbal threats towards the crew. No one has been reported injured.
“An exclusion zone, with a three-mile radius, is currently in place near the vessel.
“Police are currently working closely with our partners, including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Border Force, to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.”