Five Britons held in Iran after yacht seized in Gulf: FCO

Racing yacht crewed by five British nationals was stopped by Iranian naval vessels

London: Five Britons are being held in Iran after the Iranian navy seized their yacht, which may have strayed into Iranian waters in the Gulf, the Foreign Office (FCO) said on Monday.

In the incident on November 25, "a racing yacht owned by Sail Bahrain and crewed by five British nationals, was stopped by Iranian naval vessels," the FCO said in a statement.

"The five crew members are still in Iran. All are understood to be safe and well and their families have been informed," the FCO said.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband said British officials immediately contacted the Iranian authorities in London and in Tehran "both to seek clarification and to try and resolve the matter swiftly.