SEVEN men, including two who have already appeared in court, are to face no further criminal action in connection with a suspected hijacking of the oil tanker Nave Andromeda off the Isle of Wight on October 25, according to Hampshire Police.

Matthew John Okorie, 25, and Sunday Sylvester, 22, were due to appear at Southampton Crown Court later this month, have had their charges relating to conduct endangering ships dropped.

The decision was taken by the Crown Prosecution Service after additional evidence came to light.

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.”

Five other men who were arrested on suspicion of seizing or exercising control of a ship by use of threats or face will also face no further action relating to these alleged offences.

They remain detained under immigration powers.

As reported, on October 25 concerns were raised to police for the welfare of crew on board the Nave Andromeda.

The ship had been due to dock at Southampton Docks that morning, having sailed from Lagos in Nigeria.

Military assistance was requested, and specialist crews including 16 members of the Special Boat Service based in Poole boarded the ship.