'Military assistance' sought over tanker stowaways

[Jimbuna]

Military assistance has been requested over an "ongoing incident" on board an oil tanker situated off the Isle of Wight, the BBC understands.

The crude oil tanker, the Liberian-registered Nave Andromeda, is known to have stowaways on board and was due to dock in Southampton earlier.

Richard Meade, editor of shipping news journal Lloyd's List, said there were thought to be seven stowaways on board.

He said it was believed they had become violent towards the crew.

BBC defence correspondent Jonathan Beale said Hampshire police had requested military assistance but it was not clear what support had been requested "and whether it will be activated or requested for back up".

Police said no-one had been reported injured and a three-mile exclusion zone was in place near the vessel.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-englan...shire-54684440

It wouldn't surprise me to learn from the morning news that helicopter-borne military personnel payed the vessel a visit overnight or at first light.