Iran Frees 5 Brit Yachtsmen

Revolutionary Guard decides sailors aren't spies

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 2, 2009 4:22 AM CST

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Iran Frees 5 Brit Yachtsmen — "Kingdom of Bahrain" crew member David Bloomer is seen at an unknown location in Jordan. Bloomer has been freed along with the other four crew members. (AP Photo/Friendshiparabia.com )

Five British sailors detained when their racing yacht strayed into Iranian waters last week have been released. Officials of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, who had warned the men would be prosecuted if they were found to have "evil intentions," said they determined that the sailors' entry into Iranian waters was just a mistake. The men are believed to be on their way to Dubai, AP reports.

"As far as I know" skipper Olly Smith "apologized for giving our guys a few gray hairs," Andrew Pindar told the Telegraph after speaking to Smith. "I'm sure they'll be wanting to have a change of clothes and a kip, but I believe they have been well treated." Pindar is from Team Pindar, which is scheduled to race the yacht the men were delivering.
(More Iran captures British yacht stories.)

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