The Nigerian stowaways involved in a security incident on an oil tanker have been detained while police determine whether they should face criminal charges.
Detectives will want to examine if any force was used or threats made by the men towards the crew of the Nave Andromeda while it was in the Channel off the Isle of Wight on Sunday.
So far there has been no suggestion of violent conduct by the stowaways and police confirmed that none of the crew was injured in the ten-hour incident, which was ended by the Special Boat Service.
Hampshire constabulary said that seven men had been arrested on suspicion of seizing or exercising control of a ship by use of threats or force under Sections 9 (1) and
