Following the hijacking onboard the oil tanker “Nave Andromeda” back in October 2020, Hampshire Police confirmed that seven men, including two men who had previously been charged, will face no further action as part of the Hampshire Constabulary led investigation.
To remind, two individuals have been charged and appeared in court, as part of the ongoing Hampshire Constabulary led investigation into the maritime security incident.
According to Hampshire Police:
The two men, who were remanded and next due to appear at Southampton Crown Court on 29 January 2021, will now face no further action for an offence relating to conduct endangering ships under S.58 Merchant Shipping Act 1995.
At the same time, Hampshire Constabulary noted that the five other men, who were arrested on suspicion of seizing or exercising control of a ship by use of threats or force, remained on police bail until 25 January 2021.
However, they will also now face no further action in relation to the Hampshire Constabulary led investigation. Specifically, they will remain detained under immigration powers in accordance with published processes.
This decision was taken by the Crown Prosecution Service after additional evidence came to light as part of the investigation.
In light of the above, Senior District Crown Prosecutor, Sophie Stevens, said:
The CPS has a duty to keep all cases under continuous review and after additional maritime expert evidence came to light, we concluded there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction and discontinued the case.
