http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-1257281,00.htmlBritish Forces Held By Iran
Updated: 15:19, Friday March 23, 2007
The Government is demanding the "immediate and safe return" of 15 British sailors and Marines seized at gunpoint by Iranian forces.
They were taking part in a routine operation boarding merchant ships in Iraqi territorial waters when they were taken captive by Iranian naval vessels.
The sailors and Marines had completed a successful inspection of one ship, reportedly a dhow, when the group and their two boats were surrounded.
They were then escorted by Iranian vessels into its territorial waters.
The men, from the Type 22 frigate HMS Cornwall, were seized in the Shatt Al Arab waterway.
The Royal Navy insists they were operating in Iraqi waters and not Iranian territory.
It is thought the operation was part of a crackdown on smugglers.
The commanding officer of HMS Cornwall, Commodore Nick Lambert told Sky News: "I have got 15 sailors and Marines who have been arrested by the Iranians.
Commodore Nick Lambert
Commodore Nick Lambert
"My immediate concern is that their safety and their safe return to me is ensured."
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "We are urgently pursuing this matter with the Iranian authorities at the highest level.
"The British Government is demanding the immediate and safe return of our people and equipment."
The Iranian ambassador was later summoned to the Foreign Office to discuss the incident.
It is not the first time British servicemen have run up against Iranian forces in the troubled waters between Iran and Iraq.
Eight men were seized and detained after three patrol boats were said to have strayed into the Iranian side of the Shatt al Arab waterway in July 2004. They were later released.
Analysts have told Sky News that such cases are normally resolved peacefully.
The latest incident comes at a time of renewed tensions with Iran over Tehran's nuclear programme.
It also coincides with fresh claims of Iranian interference in Iraq - UK commanders say Iran is arming and funding insurgents attacking British troops.
:: The MoD have issued the following number for worried relatives to call - 08457 800 900.
