Iranians snatch five British sailors

Five British sailors are being held hostage after their racing yacht was seized by the Iranian Navy.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband said last night that the Government was in touch with the sailors’ families and all the crew members are believed to be safe.

It is thought the racing yacht Kingdom of Bahrain was detained off the coast of Iran after accidentally straying during its journey from Bahrain to Dubai.

Mr Miliband said: “Our Ambassador in Tehran has raised the issue 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.”

Shadow foreign minister David Lidington called for the sailors to be released immediately.

He said: “It is completely unjustifiable. Iran should release these people without delay.

There was no justification for them being arrested.”

Kingdom of Bahrain, crewed by Team Pinder, was en route to the United Arab Emirates for the Dubai to Muscat race when it was held last Wednesday.