British special forces storm oil tanker in English Channel to arrest stowaways who threatened crew
Nigerian asylum seekers got British special ops troops some good training.
British marine police and special forces, in fast boats and helicopters, stormed aboard an oil tanker in the English Channel and arrested seven stowaways who had threatened the crew, authorities said Monday.
The Liberia-flagged vessel Nave Andromeda was scheduled to dock Sunday at the port of Southampton on England’s southern coast when reports emerged that the 748-foot vessel was steering erratically out in the channel, one of the most heavily trafficked waterways in the world.
The Defense Ministry initially called the incident a “suspected hijacking.” Later reports said the seven stowaways, believed to be Nigerians seeking asylum in Britain, became threatening when they were ordered into a locked cabin.
British special forces responded to a request for help from police on Sunday evening. “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,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement.
The BBC said the special forces “ended a 10-hour standoff which started when stowaways on board the ship reportedly became violent.” The special forces descended to the ship’s deck from helicopters hovering above.
According to police, the crew took shelter in a secure area aboard the ship called the “citadel.” The master of the ship remained on the bridge, the BBC reported.
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Originally Posted by texan
