boarding party

a group of persons who board a vessel, especially to attack, seize, or search it.

Origin of boarding party

First recorded in 1880–85

The boarding-party commenced their somewhat hazardous passage from one ship to the other.

Ronald Morton, or the Fire Ships |W.H.G. Kingston
Among those who formed the boarding-party was Dillon, who showed as much alacrity as any one.

The Missing Ship |W. H. G. Kingston
As Mayrant came aboard, he was mistaken for the leader of a boarding-party, and run through the thigh with a pike.

The Naval History of the United States |Willis J. Abbot.
The Venetian flagship was rushed by a boarding-party of Janissaries, and her decks cleared as far as the mainmast.

Famous Sea Fights |John Richard Hale

"That case is my personal, private property," said he, as soon as it was in the hands of the chief officer of the boarding-party.

Fighting for the Right |Oliver Optic