Irishman Among Freed Sailors

Five yachtsmen detained by Iran's Revolutionary Guard for a week have been released, the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office has confirmed.

The crew were held in the Gulf after their yacht, Kingdom of Bahrain, mistakenly strayed into Iranian waters while sailing from Bahrain to Dubai for a race.

They are now onboard their yacht being towed to a point outside Iran's waters, according to the Foreign Office.

Irishman David Bloomer, who is said to be in his 60s, Luke Porter, 21, from Weston-super-Mare, Oliver Smith, 31, from Southampton, Oliver Young, 21, from Saltash and Sam Usher, 26, from Scarborough were believed to be held on Siri Island from 25 November.

A statement by Iran's Revolutionary Guard said: "After carrying out an investigation and interrogation of the five British sailors, it became clear that their illegal entry was a mistake.

"After obtaining necessary guarantees, it was decided to release them."

Foreign Secretary David Miliband said he was "delighted" by the news, adding that he was glad the Iranians handled the matter in a "professional and straightforward way".

Mr Porter's mother, Beverly, said: "It was just a pure misunderstanding. It appears now that they had technical problems with the boat. The boys never meant to be there in the first place. Thankfully, Iran have seen it that way."

Hannah White, from Lymington, a friend of Oliver Smith, told GMTV this morning: "I have every confidence that their calm nature and their professional manner will have helped them deal with this situation.

"They are also amongst friends - these guys are very close, they get on very well, they have worked together for a long time, they will be seeking strength from each other, I am sure."

The sailor's journey back to Dubai could take up to a day and a half.

(GK/BMcc)