THE TELEGRAPH: Five British sailors are being held captive in Iran after they strayed into the country’s territorial waters on their way to an international yacht race.
And what should we do with the Iranians? But we won’t. We are far, far too soft these days. – © Mark
The Britons were part of the nine-strong crew of the Kingdom of Bahrain, a racing yacht, which was apprehended by the Iranian navy on Wednesday.
It is thought the boat, which carried a satellite tracker, may have drifted into Iranian waters after its propeller was damaged.
The newly refitted vessel was making its way from Bahrain to Dubai for a 350-mile race to Muscat, which began on Thursday.
When the yacht failed to arrive, expatriate yachting enthusiasts assumed that it had turned back because of technical problems but the Foreign Office disclosed last night that the crew had been taken captive by an Iranian patrol vessel on Wednesday.
It is understood that they were taken to Iran where they were said to be safe and well. Their families have been kept informed.
David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, said that British diplomats had been in close touch with Iranian officials and hoped to resolve the matter “swiftly”.
The incident has echoes of the capture in 2007 of 15 Royal Navy sailors and Marines who were seized during a routine inspection of a merchant ship. The incident lead to a prolonged diplomatic stand-off.
Iran claimed that the British sailors were in its territorial waters but the MoD said they were in Iraqi waters.
The names of the captured sailors have not been confirmed, but sources said those on board were Sam Usher, Olly Smith, Luke Porter, Oliver Young and David Bloomer, a Bahrain Radio presenter who was planning to give regular updates through the race. >>> Duncan Gardham and Richard Spencer | Monday, November 30, 2009
THE GUARDIAN: Iran threatens 'hard measures' against seized British yachtsmen: Presidential aide says serious actions will be taken if men intercepted by Iranian navy had 'evil intentions' >>> James Meikle and Matthew Weaver | Tuesday, December 01, 2009
