Seven people have been detained after the military boarded a ship in the English Channel that was subject to “suspected hijacking”, the Ministry of Defence said.
Home secretary Priti Patel and defence secretary Ben Wallace authorised Armed Forces personnel to board the vessel 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.”
Defence secretary Wallace commended “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,” he said. “People are safe tonight thanks to their efforts.”
The news comes after Hampshire Police said the force had been called to the Nave Andromeda, a ship off the coast of the Isle of Wight, over reports of stowaways on board the making “verbal threats” towards crew.
A 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.”
Police said that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Border Force were also involved in the operation.
In a tweet, Priti Patel said she was “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”.
It is understood that the 228-metre tanker had been expected to dock in Southampton at 10.30am on Sunday.
Two coastguard helicopters were scrambled to the scene and were spotted circling the ship on Sunday afternoon, and an exclusion zone was set up in the area south of Sandown.