UK - security incident, ''violent'' stowaways on board oil tanker, Isle of Wight, 25 Oct 2020

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This Marine Traffic map shows how busy the Channel is at about 4.50pm on Sunday

Cops are responding to an incident on the Nave AndromedaCredit: Solent News
‘Stowaways’ on oil tanker detained by special forces in 'swift' operation
''A MAJOR security incident is underway after a group of stowaways were found on board an oil tanker off the British coast today.

The 748ft ship is zig-zagging in the English Channel after the discovery this morning.''

''The captain of the Nave Andromeda put out a 'desperate' call for rescue because he 'feared for his life', it has been claimed.

It was alleged that the stowaways smashed glass on board the huge oil tanker and even made threats to kill crew.''

 

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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.”

 

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Police rush to oil tanker off Isle of Wight after 'stowaways discovered' | Daily Mail Online
''SBS 'retake seized oil tanker': Special forces 'storm 42,000-ton vessel off the Isle of Wight' and detain seven 'Nigerian stowaways who threatened to kill crew' forcing captain to issue desperate mayday alert

• Police called after 'security incident' on a crude oil tanker called the Nave Andromeda off Isle of Wight today
• Restriction zone of five nautical miles now in place around vessel, which last sailed from Nigeria on October 6
• The ship is reportedly Liberian-registered and set to dock in Southampton at around 10.30am this morning
• Military assistance has now been requested to deal with the incident off the Isle of Wight coast, reports say
• Lawyers representing owners of the vessel said the incident '100 per cent not a hijacking', despite reports''

''A source close to the shipping company said that crew had been aware of stowaways on board for some time, but that they had turned violent as the vessel approached Britain. The crew then retreated to the ship's secure citadel, where attackers are unable to enter, the source added.''

 

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rbbm.
Isle of Wight tanker: Special Forces take control of ship after 'hijackers' threaten the crew
''Special forces last night ended a ten-hour standoff in the Channel after a group of violent Nigerian "hijackers" threatened to kill the crew of an oil tanker bound for the UK.

Troops from the Special Boat Service stormed the Nave Andromeda under cover of darkness and in a nine minute raid detained seven suspected migrants after they forced the giant vessel to drop anchor five miles off the Isle of Wight.

Last night Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Home Secretary Priti Patel praised the police and armed forces for bringing the situation under control.

Mr Wallace said: "I commend the hard work of the Armed Forces and police to protect lives and secure the ship.

"In dark skies, and worsening weather, we should all be grateful for our brave personnel. People are safe tonight thanks to their efforts.”

''It marks the second time in less than two years that African stowaways have risen up against the crew of a vessel bound for the UK. Four migrants from Nigeria and Libya were jailed in January after running amok on a container ship during a 14-hour stand-off in the Thames Estuary in December 2018, waving metal poles and lobbing faeces. The group’s immigration status is due to be “reviewed” by the Border Force upon completion of their sentences.''

 

[lonetraveler]

Police rush to oil tanker off Isle of Wight after 'stowaways discovered' | Daily Mail Online
''SBS 'retake seized oil tanker': Special forces 'storm 42,000-ton vessel off the Isle of Wight' and detain seven 'Nigerian stowaways who threatened to kill crew' forcing captain to issue desperate mayday alert

• Police called after 'security incident' on a crude oil tanker called the Nave Andromeda off Isle of Wight today
• Restriction zone of five nautical miles now in place around vessel, which last sailed from Nigeria on October 6
• The ship is reportedly Liberian-registered and set to dock in Southampton at around 10.30am this morning
• Military assistance has now been requested to deal with the incident off the Isle of Wight coast, reports say
• Lawyers representing owners of the vessel said the incident '100 per cent not a hijacking', despite reports''

''A source close to the shipping company said that crew had been aware of stowaways on board for some time, but that they had turned violent as the vessel approached Britain. The crew then retreated to the ship's secure citadel, where attackers are unable to enter, the source added.''

If that isn't a hijacking, what the heck is it?

 

[RobinCAL]

I had been keeping track of this today. I'm glad it seems to have finished now and no reports of anybody harmed, which is good news.

 

[lonetraveler]

My question, why is this incident being candy-coated?

 

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