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Reports of a suspected hijack on MV Nave Andromeda, a crude oil tanker routing Lagos - Southampton and now off the Isle of Wight. HM Coastguard & Hampshire Police responding.
HM Coastguard AW189 in the overhead (pic: @freedar_uk)
A Temporary Restricted Area was established at 12:31 prohibiting overflight below 5000'. This is to prevent other traffic e.g. news helicopters getting in the way of the coastguard, police and any other security services.
At the moment the priority will be to build a picture of the situation. Speculation that a Military Counter-Terrorism response will be required is just that.
Quick reminder of who does what in the UK:
HM Coastguard ensures safety at sea.
Police enforce law & order
Military provides assistance (but only if required e.g. counter-terrorism).
The MoD has confirmed they are not involved in the current incident.
HM Coastguard ensures safety at sea.
Police enforce law & order
Military provides assistance (but only if required e.g. counter-terrorism).
The MoD has confirmed they are not involved in the current incident.
A new Temporary Restricted Area has been established, slightly to the NE of the first one. The emergency controlling authority is now the MoD rather than the ARCC (Call of Duty Warriors don't read too much into that).
