SBS commandos retook an oil tanker off the Isle of Wight coast in just seven minutes after reports of ‘Nigerian stowaways’ on board becoming violent and ‘threatening the crew’ sparked fears of a hijacking.
Crew members reportedly sought shelter in a safe room on the Liberian-registered oil tanker, named the Nave Andromeda, which was due to arrive at Southampton at 10.30am.
The Special Boat Service landed 16 personnel aboard the vessel via air and sea following a ten-hour standoff, with two Royal Navy Merlin helicopters and two Wildcats also used in the operation, Sky News reported.
A frigate, believed to be HMS Richmond, was also on standby but not needed during the operation, which was completed in around seven minutes.
Hampshire police later said all 22 crew members of the tanker were safe.
Violence started when crew members found the stowaways and tried to lock them in a cabin prior to handing them to Border Force at Southampton, according to Richard Meade, editor of shipping journal Lloyd’s List.
A source on the Isle of Wight claimed during a mayday call this morning the captain told an operator ‘I’m trying to keep them calm but please send help.’
The source added: ‘The captain clearly stated he feared for their lives and needed urgent assistance, they needed rescuing… it was desperation, you could hear the fear in his voice.’
Tobias Ellwood, chair of the House of Commons’ Defense Committee, confirmed the action and said no one was hurt. The stowaways are now in custody.
Reports claimed that the captain of the Nave Andromeda – believed to be capable of carrying 42,000 tons of crude oil – put out a ‘desperate’ call for rescue because he ‘feared for his life’ as stowaways smashed glass on board and even made threats to kill.
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 when the crew tried to lock them in the cabin as the vessel approached Britain.
The crew then retreated to the ship’s secure citadel, where attackers are unable to enter, the source added.
Stowaways on board Nave Andromeda made ‘verbal threats towards crew’ but no-one has been reported injured, according to Hampshire Police.
The crude oil tanker was currently to the south of Bembridge. Two coastguard helicopters were scrambled to the scene and were spotted circling the ship on Sunday afternoon, while an exclusion zone of five nautical miles was set up in the area south of Sandown.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman 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.’
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: ‘Tonight 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.’
Maritime Risk Expert Christopher Parry told Sky News:Â ‘This sort of thing is the sort of thing the SBS trained to do. Ever since we had oil rigs in the North Sea this sort of operation has been the bread and butter to the Special Boat Service and specialist commandos.
‘We want to send out a message – don’t mess with us. Don’t try and come into our maritime zone and expect to stowaway, or indeed come in for any other reason, you will be met with appropriate force if necessary.’
A source on the Isle of Wight claimed during a mayday call this morning the captain told an operator ‘I’m trying to keep them calm but please send help.’
The source said: ‘The captain clearly stated he feared for their lives and needed urgent assistance, they needed rescuing…Â It was desperation, you could hear the fear in his voice.’
A Hampshire police spokesman said:Â ‘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.