A dramatic maritime incident unfolded off the Isle of Wight on this day 5 years ago when a Liberian-flagged oil tanker was forced into lockdown amid fears that stowaways were attempting to seize control of the vessel.
The 228-metre Nave Andromeda, which had been travelling from Nigeria towards Southampton, anchored near Ventnor after reports emerged that several stowaways had become violent towards the crew.
The situation on 25th October 2020 quickly escalated into an international security alert, visible from high points in Shanklin and Ventnor as helicopters and coastguard units moved into position.
A 3-mile exclusion zone was established around the ship as the 22-strong crew locked themselves in the vessel’s secure area. Coastguard helicopters from Lee-on-Solent and Lydd were seen circling overhead, while Hampshire Constabulary and HM Coastguard coordinated the developing response from ashore.
As daylight faded, the situation became increasingly tense. Reports suggested that 6 or 7 stowaways had threatened the crew, prompting fears for their safety. Police aircraft from the National Police Air Service joined the operation, along with lifeboats from Bembridge and Selsey standing by nearby in Sandown Bay.
Shortly after 19:30, the Special Boat Service (SBS) was understood to have been deployed under the cover of darkness. 2 Chinook helicopters reportedly left their Dorset base to carry out a military operation at sea. Within minutes, control of the Nave Andromeda was secured, ending the ordeal without injury – thanks to the military intervention.
The operation, led by the Royal Navy and coordinated with local police and maritime agencies, was later hailed as a textbook example of precision and restraint. All stowaways were detained and the vessel continued safely to port.
5 years on, the incident remains one of the most dramatic maritime security operations ever to take place off the Isle of Wight’s coastline.
Seems like 50 years ago not 5. Nowadays the UK cannot deal with 1000 “pirates” a day crossing the channel and breaking into the UK illegally.
In fact, Border Force and the RNLI actually aid and abet these illegals. What a laughing stock the UK has become.
Not a problem digital ID’s will stop the boats!
Lol
I haven’t stopped laughing, the boats are being
escorted in so they can sell the digital IDs to the same
sheep,who rolled up their sleeves a few years ago.