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A “security incident” on an oil tanker a few miles off the Isle of Wight in the English Channel is underway Sunday afternoon.
The Hampshire Police Department in southern England confirmed the operation without further details, while the British Coast Guard said it was assisting the police operation with two rescue helicopters flying over the ship.
A five-nautical-mile exclusion zone has been established around the tanker, which is believed to carry 42,000 tons of oil.
According to British media reports, the incident involved a small number of smugglers, possibly seven, and that the crew members “have found refuge” in various parts of the ship.
Some of the press reports speak of an attempted piracy or an attempt by illegal immigrants to reach British territory with threats against the crew.
Britain’s Home Secretary Pretty Patel remains informed of the operation.
In December 2018, the special forces of the Royal Navy of Great Britain had intervened and had stopped within minutes an attempt to hack a ship in the English Channel by four illegal immigrants.
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