Tanker Docks In Southampton After Suspected 'Hijacking' Attempt Off The Isle Of Wight

An oil tanker has docked in Southampton hours after special forces raided the vessel and rescued the crew from a suspected hijacking off the Isle of Wight.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) tweeted that according to "initial reports" the crew were safe and well.

About 16 Special Boat Service (SBS) commandos boarded the Nave Andromeda off the Isle of Wight on Sunday evening (25) and regained control.

Two Royal Navy Merlin helicopters were involved, along with two Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters.

A Royal Navy frigate, believed to be HMS Richmond, was on standby. The security incident lasted about 10 hours.

The operation was launched after Hampshire Police received reports that a "number of stowaways" were on board and had made 'verbal threats towards the crew.'

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the Nave Andromeda was "in ballast" and had no oil on board.

Hampshire Police said concerns for the crew's welfare were reported at 10.04am on Sunday.

The vessel went into an erratic zig-zagging pattern at about 10.45am, tracker images showed.

The ship was approximately six miles off the coast of Sandown and Bembridge - and had been travelling towards Southampton, police said.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said:

"We are now in a position to provide a further update to the maritime security incident which took place on board the Nave Andromeda off the coast of the Isle of Wight.

"At 10.04am today (25 October) concerns were raised to police for the welfare of crew on board the vessel, which was situated approximately six miles off the coast of Bembridge.

"The vessel had been travelling in the direction of Southampton, having sailed from Lagos in Nigeria.

"It was reported that a number of stowaways were on board, and they had made threats towards the crew.

"Following a multi-agency response by police, with support from the military and other emergency service partners, seven people were detained by police.

"All 22 crew members are safe and well.

"Police are investigating this incident and we have a number of enquiries to carry out to establish the full circumstances."

Alistair Bunkall, Sky News defence and security correspondent, said:

"Sixteen Special Boat Service (SBS) Commandos boarded the ship, some fast-roping down from Merlin and Wildcat helicopters hovering above the deck of the tanker, others rappelling up the side from inflatable ribs bobbing on the black waters below.

"They had been dropped from a Chinook helicopter around the headland earlier on Sunday afternoon, waiting for darkness to fall and the green light to go.

"The SBS are based just down the coast in Poole. These waters are their training ground, they know them like the back of their hand."

The Defence Secretary 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."

Home Secretary Priti Patel tweeted:

"We are thankful for the quick and decisive action of our police and armed forces who were able to bring this situation under control, guaranteeing the safety of all those on board."

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed that all crew members are safe and well.

He said:

"The operation to secure the vessel has concluded successfully and really I would like to pay tribute to the police and the armed forces who did such an exemplary job."