A group of Nigerian stowaways who hijacked a UK-bound ship have been arrested after a 10-hour standoff.
The alleged Nigerian hijackers had threatened to kill the crew of an oil tanker – Nave Andromeda – bound for the UK.
However, they were eventually arrested by UK special forces after a 10-hour standoff in the English Channel.
The Nave Andromeda departed Nigeria on October 6 bound for Southampton. UK authorities believe the stowaways boarded in the port of Lagos through the vessel’s rudder trunk; an opening near the ship’s hull.
When they were found by the crew, the stowaways had no identity documents. It is believed they may have hidden on board the vessel for nearly 20 days before being discovered.
Reports monitored in the UK media state that troops from the Special Boat Service stormed the Nave Andromeda under cover of darkness. The troops embarked on a nine-minute raid and detained seven suspected Nigerian migrants. The Nigerians had they forced the giant vessel to drop anchor 8km off the Isle of Wight.
The development was confirmed by UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Home Secretary Priti Patel; both of whom praised the police and armed forces for bringing the situation under control.
Wallace 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.”
On his part, 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.”
Equally important, the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that the ship had been “subject to a suspected hijacking”.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian stowaways were said to have turned violent after the crew discovered them hiding in the bowels of the ship.
The ship had been due to dock in Southampton on Sunday morning.
Further, reports indicate that when the crew attempted to lock the men inside a cabin; they smashed glass and reportedly made threats to kill the crew. The captain then issued a desperate Mayday call to the mainland; pleading for help as he feared losing control of the ship.
The Nave Andromeda is believed to be able to carry up to 42,000 tons of crude oil.
“I’m trying to keep them calm but please send help,” the captain had reportedly told an operator.
Consequently, some members of the 22-strong crew retreated to the ship’s engine room “citadel”; a stronghold designed to keep out pirates, until the Special Forces finally arrived.
Flashing torches could be seen from the mainland as around 16 Special Forces troops boarded the vessel at around 1930; with two Royal Navy wildcat helicopters and two Navy Merlin Mark 4 helicopters joining the operation.
At the end of the operation, seven Nigerian men detained and brought back to the mainland for questioning. Reports indicate that they were met by “overwhelming force”. The crew were all found safe inside the ships’ stronghold.
The New Zealand Herald says it marks the second time in less than two years that African stowaways have hijacked the crew of a vessel bound for the UK. Four migrants from Nigeria and Libya were jailed in January after running amok on a container ship. The incident witnessed a 14-hour stand-off in the Thames Estuary in December 2018; with the men waving metal poles and lobbing faeces.
