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Tanker Owners Issue Statement After Incident Off The Isle Of Wight

Nave Andromeda moored in Southampton. Pic by Mat Purdue

BREAKING: The owners of a tanker involved in a major incident off the Isle of Wight have issued a statement, praising the actions of emergency and military personnel.

About 16 Special Boat Service (SBS) commandos boarded the Nave Andromeda off the Isle of Wight on Sunday evening (25) and regained control, after the captain issued a distress call for help yesterday morning.

Sienna Anderson

Photo by Sienna Anderson

It was reported that seven stowaways had made threats to the crew.

The ship - located around 5 miles off the Island, but very visible - was surrounded by military personnel and lifeboat teams.

Two Royal Navy Merlin helicopters were involved in the operation, along with two Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters and the Special Boat Service (SBS).

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 Nave Andromeda is now docked in Southampton and all staff and crew are safe and well.

Navios Tanker Management, operators of the crude oil tanker, said:

"We are pleased to report that the 7 stowaways who illegally boarded the Liberian Flag tanker in Lagos, Nigeria, have been detained by the UK Authorities after a multi-agency response, including police, military and emergency forces.

"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.

"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.

"Navios would also like to pay tribute to the Master of the Nave Andromeda for his exemplary response and calmness and to all the crew for their fortitude in a difficult situation."

BREAKING NEWS: Suspects detained in major operation off the Isle of Wight. https://www.iwradio.co.uk/news/isle-of-wight-news/suspects-detained-in-major-vessel-operation-off-isle-of-wight/

Posted by Isle of Wight Radio on Sunday, October 25, 2020

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."

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