Nave-Andromeda

Seven Nigerian men who sparked a major security incident off the coast of the Isle of Wight on the 'Nave Andromeda' on Oct 25, 2020, which involved Special Forces being deployed by helicopter, will face no further action. The Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed that all seven men, including two who had previously been charged and had appeared in court, will not be prosecuted. The 25-year-old Matthew John Okorie and 22-year-old Sunday Sylvester, who were both remanded and next due to appear at Southampton Crown Court on Jan 29, 2021,have been released from custody for the offence of conduct endangering ships under Section 58 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995. The five other men, who were arrested on suspicion of seizing or exercising control of a ship by use of threats or force, will also now face no further action. The decision not to prosecute was taken by the Crown Prosecution Service after additional evidence came to light as part of the investigation. They have not stated what the additional evidence is. However, the group will remain detained under immigration powers.

Two men have been charged after a maritime security incident on board the 'Nave Andromeda' on Oct 25. The charges were part of an ongoing, Hampshire Constabulary led, investigation into the incident on board the tanker off the coast of the Isle of Wight. Matthew John Okorie, 25, and Sunday Sylvester, 22, have been charged with an offence relating to conduct endangering ships under S.58 Merchant Shipping Act 1995. They appeared before Southampton Magistrates Court in the morning of Dec 28 and have been remanded in custody. They will next appear at Southampton Crown Court on January 29. Five other men were arrested on suspicion of seizing or exercising control of a ship by use of threats or force. They remained on police bail until January 25 whilst Hampshire Constabulary’s investigation continues. They were currently detained under Border Force powers.

Seven Nigerian men have been re-bailed following the 'Nave Andromeda' incident off the coast of the Isle of Wight. Although the arrested men have been bailed, they all remained detained under Border Force powers. Their bail has been extended until Jan 25m 2021 in relation to the criminal investigation into the incident. Detectives were continuing to examine the events of Oct 25, which led to the Special Boat Service storming the oil tanker off Ventnor.