Alleged Isle of Wight tanker hijacking: two charged

Two men have been charged in connection with the alleged hijacking of the Nave Andromeda off the coast of the Isle of Wight on 25^th October, reports the Guardian. Matthew John Okorie, 25, and Sunday Sylvester, 22, were in court on Saturday, charged with an offence concerning conduct endangering ships.

The two Nigerian nationals were charged as part of an ongoing investigation by Hampshire police into the incident which involved the deployment of the SBS and airborne snipers. Seven Nigerian nationals were detained and remain in police custody.

The dramatic raid was ordered by the defence secretary, Ben Wallace, and the home secretary, Priti Patel, against the 228m Nave Andromeda. The Liberian-flagged tanker had been en route from Lagos to Southampton when the vessel was seized by the men.