|
Five British Sailors (racing yacht) Taken Hostage In Iran
Five British sailors are being held hostage in Iran after their racing yacht may have inadvertently strayed into Iranian waters.The Foreign Office confirmed that the Team Pindar racing yacht owned by Sail Bahrain and crewed by five British sailors was detained by the Iranian Navy on November 25. The yacht is believed to have been on its way to the Dubai-Muscat Offshore Sailing Race which began on November 25 and may have 'inadvertently' strayed into Iranian waters. The five crew members are still in Iran and are understood to be safe and well and their families have been informed, the statement added. Foreign Office officials "immediately contacted the Iranian authorities in London and in Tehran on the evening of 25 November, both to seek clarification and to try and resolve the matter swiftly," Foreign Secretary David Miliband said today. 'Our ambassador in Tehran has raised the issue with the Iranian Foreign Ministry and we have discussed the matter with the Iranian Embassy in London. 'I hope this issue will soon be resolved. We will remain in close touch with the Iranian authorities, as well as the families,' he said. However, fears were growing that the detention of the British sailors will dramatically increase tensions between Iran and the West According to the Team Pindar website, members of Sail Bahrain were due to arrive in Dubai on November 26 on board the Kingdom of Bahrain race yacht. The site says: 'Skippering the Kingdom of Bahrain entry is experienced offshore sailor and Team Director of Sail Bahrain, Nick Crabtree who, along with members of his shore crew, will be joined by Bahrains national sailing hero, Sami Kooheji and Captain Peter Gronberg, Managing Director of GAC, one of the largest shipping companies in the region and logistics partner to Sail Bahrain.' So far the Foreign Office has refused to name any of the crew members being held. Posted by: Sherry 2009-11-30 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=284520 |