Sailors ‘attacked by Iranian nationals’

THREE sailors, who were attacked while sailing a Bahraini vessel, were subjected to armed robbery by Iranian nationals, the Interior Ministry has said.

It said yesterday that according to the statements of the three sailors, they were forced at gunpoint into Iran’s territorial waters last Wednesday, where one of the vessel’s engines and other belongings were seized.

They indicated that they were compelled to board a boat used by the attackers, who then headed towards Iranian waters, the ministry said. The sailors said they were released approximately three hours later and allowed to sail back towards Bahrain.

Details from the Coastguard indicate that similar incidents have occurred on more than one occasion, carried out by Iranian individuals, it said.

The ministry affirmed that the incident constitutes a violation of international maritime law and grants Bahrain the right to take the necessary legal measures in this regard.