SPECIAL Forces from Poole have helped detain seven people in a raid on an oil tanker off the Isle of Wight, following reports its crew had been threatened by stowaways.

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the armed forces boarded the Nave Andromeda and gained control after a "suspected hijacking", and detained seven people.

It is understood that Hampshire police had sought the assistance of a special forces unit, believed to be the elite Special Boat Service, which is based in Poole.

The Royal Navy service's operations, like those of the Army's SAS, are kept secret.

The MoD said the crew were safe and well following the military operation, and a police investigation is under way.

Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood, who is chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, said the boarding of the tanker was a "good outcome".

He said: "We have been watching this all day.

"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.

"Initially it didn't look like this was terrorist-related nor involving WMD but the erratic behaviour was concerning.

"The safety of the crew was important as is indeed any unauthorised movement towards the coast."

He added: "I am pleased to see that swift action has been taken. This is a good outcome."

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.

Mr Wallace said: "I commend the hard work of the armed forces and police to protect lives and secure the ship.

"In dark skies, and worsening weather, we should all be grateful for our brave personnel. People are safe tonight thanks to their efforts."

The Home Secretary said: "Tonight we are 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."

Bob Sanguinetti, chief executive of the UK Chamber of Shipping, said: "We understand the vessel has been boarded by security forces and made safe.

"We commend the swift action taken by UK personnel to secure the vessel and most importantly the safety crew."

Earlier today Bob Seely, Conservative MP for the Isle of Wight, said the incident would be treated as a “marine counter-terrorism” incident and a meeting of the government Cobra emergency committee would be held to discuss the response.

He said he expected specialist units to be scrambled to handle the situation.

He said: “Despite being told not to drop anchor, the skipper has dropped anchor and the ship may be now under the control of stowaways.

“I suspect because of the nature of this it will be treated as marine counter-terrorism and the number of people in the UK who do that are very limited and the relevant units will be looking at options no doubt as to what we could be doing.”

The incident began this afternoon aboard the Liberian-registered crude oil tanker, at sea south of Sandown.

Earlier this evening, a Hampshire police spokesman said: “At 10.04am today concerns were raised to police for the welfare of crew on board the Nave Andromeda – a vessel situated approximately six miles off the coast of Bembridge, Isle of Wight.

“The vessel had been travelling in the direction of Southampton.

“It was reported that a number of stowaways were on board, and they had made verbal threats towards the crew. No one has been reported injured.

“An exclusion zone, with a three-mile radius, is currently in place near the vessel.

“Police are currently working closely with our partners, including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Border Force, to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.”

It is understood that the 228-metre tanker had been expected to dock in Southampton at 10.30am on Sunday.

The Nave Andromeda had sailed from Lagos, Nigeria, on October 5, according to maritime tracking websites.

Two coastguard helicopters were scrambled to the scene and were spotted circling the ship this afternoon, and an exclusion zone was set up.