Dramatic scenes unraveled in the English channel last night, as special services stormed an oil tanker after it became clear that stowaways on board represented 'a clear threat to life on the ship'.
The Special Boat Service responded to the call swiftly, with heavily-armed anti-terror personnel taking over the vessel just off the Isle of Wight in 'just under nine minutes', according to Rear Admiral Chris Parry, formerly of the Royal Navy.
The captain made the mayday call at 10.04am. According to The Sun, he is reported to have said: "I'm trying to keep them calm but please send help."
Sixteen SBS commandos then swooped on the vessel, landing from blacked-out helicopters.
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The Ministry of Defence had been made aware of the incident, which was described as a 'suspected hijacking', by police.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Home Secretary Priti Patel authorised their request to begin the operation.
Wallace said: "What was emerging was a clear threat to life on the ship and at that point the police made representation to the Ministry of Defence that they didn't have the capability to do what was needed in these challenging circumstances.
"We were under the awareness that the suspects were also threatening to do something with the ship.
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"If they were threatening to take control of the ship then, of course, that is a hijack and the threat to the environment and, more importantly, to the lives of people on the ship is something the state can't tolerate."
The 228m long ship left Lagos in Nigeria on 5 October. It was just south of the Isle of Wight when the distress signal was sent out.
The Nave Andromeda, which is registered in Liberia, was located with all 22 crew members locked in the ship's citadel. All of them were found safe.
According to the BBC, the vessel's owners lawyers said they already knew the stowaways were aboard.
Wallace added: "I commend the hard work of the armed forces and police to protect lives and secure the ship.
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"In dark skies, and worsening weather, we should all be grateful for our brave personnel. People are safe tonight thanks to their efforts."
Mrs Patel tweeted she was "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."
Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, said the boarding of the tanker was a 'good outcome'.
He said: "Seven stowaways on board taking over a ship or causing the ship not to be in full command would have triggered a multi-agency alarm and then well-rehearsed classified protocols were then put into action."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: UK News