British Special Forces storm Greek-owned tanker and arrest hijackers

·

British Special Forces stormed a Greek-operated oil tanker in the English channel on Sunday to wrestle control of the vessel from seven stowaways who had threatened the crew in a suspected hijacking.

Troops from the Special Boat Service, a navy special forces unit whose headquarters is just a few miles away from where the vessel began showing signs of distress, boarded the Nave Andromeda near the Isle of Wight off southern England.

Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, and Home Secretary, Priti Patel, authorised the armed forces to board the ship “to safeguard life and secure a ship that was subject to suspected hijacking,” the Defence Ministry said.

“Armed forces have gained control of the ship and seven individuals have been detained,” the ministry said. “Initial reports confirm the crew are safe and well.”

It was not immediately clear where the stowaways were from or what their intentions were.

The tanker’s Greek operator, Navios Tank Management, thanked UK authorities for their swift reaction to the hijacking situation.

“Navios Tanker Management wish to thank all the UK authorities involved in this operation for their timely and professional response,” the operator said in a statement.

The defence ministry declined to confirm or deny the involvement of the SBS – in line with British government policy of not commenting on special forces operations.

The navy’s Special Boat Service, considered a sister unit to the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS), is one of Britain’s most secretive special forces units.

An elite maritime counter-terrorism unit, the SBS traces its history back to World War Two and has been involved in many of the conflicts of the past 70 years including Afghanistan and Iraq.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Three generations of Greek Australian Christmas celebrations

The Tragellis-Alepidis women, each with their own Christmas memories, have woven a beautiful tapestry of tradition, love, and family.

‘It’s magical’: Why Greek Australians love Christmas in Greece

We spoke with several Greek Australians who have spent the festive season in different parts of Greece - Athens, Larissa, Elis, and Katerini.

Thessaloniki at Christmas: Rich history, culture and festive charm

Each December, Thessaloniki transforms into a winter destination, composing a blend of rich history, culture, and Christmas charm.

Jaaks and The Kyle Bay win at the 2024 National Restaurant and Catering Awards

Jaaks and The Kyle Bay have received two prestigious awards at the recent 2024 National Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence.

Why John and Joanne celebrate Christmas in Greece the British way

Joanne and John's Christmas celebrations take place in Greece, but it is a British-style Christmas for the couple and their family.

You May Also Like

Philip Thalis awarded Gold Medal by Australian Institute of Architects

Philip Thalis has been awarded the prestigious Gold Medal by the Australian Institute of Architects. Read more here.

The Acropolis named most “immersive experience” for kids, by kids

Athens’ Acropolis was placed first in the 'Top 5 most "Immersive Experiences" in the world, at the Family Traveller Excellence Awards 2019.

Stefanos Tsitsipas to face Thanasi Kokkinakis in US Open first round

Greek tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas will face Greek Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis in his US Open first round.