I wrote about the attempted take-over of the Liberian flagged tanker Nave Andromeda off the southern coast of England yesterday. Today, there are more details to share.
Richard Meade, editor of the shipping intelligence website Lloyd’s List, said the seven stowaways were believed to have boarded in Nigeria. “They were discovered by the crew and while they were trying to detain them in a cabin they got violent,”
It is assumed the stowaways boarded the tanker via the rudder trunk while the vessel was in port at Lagos Nigeria.
The tanker made two stops while en-route to Southampton, but did not enter port at either stop.
The ships master raised the alarm around 1000 Sunday. Some of the crew of 22 made their way to the “citadel” in the engine room.
Around 2000 local time, a boarding team from the Royal Navy Special Boat Service boarded the tanker. The 16 troopers were inserted by helicopter fast rope and quickly took the hijackers into custody and ensured the crew was unharmed.
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“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,” the MoD said in a statement. “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.”