Sail Bahrain’s five British sailors arrived safely into Dubai this evening, following their week-long ordeal in the custody of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. The crew were held after inadvertently venturing into Iranian waters whilst on their way to the Dubai-Muscat Offshore Sailing race last Wednesday.

(Pictured from left to right) Sam Usher, Olly Smith (skipper), David Bloomer, Oliver Young and Luke Porter were held on the Island of Sirri, where they confirmed they had all been well treated by the Iranian Guards.

News of their release came at 4am (GMT) this morning through Iran’s official IRNA news agency who confirmed the sailors ‘had entered its territory by mistake’.

A rescue boat was sent to tow the Volvo 60 racing yacht back into international waters, where they were greeted by Team Director, Nick Crabtree.“It’s been a worrying seven days for everyone involved but we’re absolutely thrilled to have them back on dry land. “ he said.

Picture credit: AP